Ajax are comfortably into the Europa League quarter-finals after a 2-0 victory over Young Boys on Thursday. Michael Bell rates the Ajax players for their performance in Switzerland.
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Maarten Stekelenburg 7/10: Another strong performance from the goalkeeper, who could be back in the Netherlands squad on Friday. Only faced two shots on target, but commanded his area well.
Devyne Rensch 6/10: Got forward a lot and contributed well but at the back he had some trouble with the Young Boys wingers, especially in the first-half. Was more solid after the break and overall had a decent game.
Nicolas Tagliafico 6.5/10: Like Rensch, Tagliafico got forward a lot and he had a few good chances to score which he could not take. Made more tackles than any of his teammates through the game.
Edson Alvarez 6/10: Played in the centre of defence, Alvarez had a hit and miss game up against Young Boys attackers. Was lucky not to concede a penalty in the first-half for a handball.
Lisandro Martinez 7/10: Solid throughout the game, Martinez made an important block with the score at 0-0. Made six clearances, which is double any of his teammates. Martinez has become an important player in Ten Hag’s side.
Daley Blind 6.5/10: Back fit, Blind returned to the starting eleven and in midfield. Put in a good shift and did what he does best which is keep the ball for Ajax and get them going forward.
Ryan Gravenberch 7/10: Completely controlled the midfield and had a key role in Ajax’s opening goal. Had the most touches for Ajax through the game and ended with a 90.9% pass accuracy. Another strong performance from the 18-year-old.
Davy Klaassen 6.5/10: Klaassen linked well with the Ajax frontline throughout and hardly misplaced a pass throughout. A good shift from the midfielder, who always works hard to contribute at both ends.
David Neres 6.5/10: Has found his form in front of goal recently and once again found the net for Ajax’s opening goal. However, that was his main contribution as he struggled to get into the game.
Antony 6/10: Got into some good positions but from four shots he failed to hit the target. Has class but needs to be more clinical if Ajax are to go further in the competition.
Dusan Tadic 8/10: Once again Ajax’s key player, Tadic set up Neres for the opener and then scored from the penalty spot in the second half. Spread the ball well and played an excellent pass to Idrissi in the second half.
Substitutes
Mohammed Kudus 6.5/10: Came on and looked very lively. Very impressive on the ball and completed five dribbles in 25 minutes on the pitch. A classy player.
Oussama Idrissi 6/10: Is still trying to make his mark as an Ajax player, Idrissi put in the effort after coming on and looked dangerous, but put a decent chance straight at the Young Boys goalkeeper. Not doing enough at the moment to justify starting.
Sean Klaiber N/A: Not on the pitch long enough for a review
Brian Brobbey N/A: Not on the pitch long enough for a review
Perr Schuurs N/A: Not on the pitch long enough for a review
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