Hans Kraay junior expressed disbelief at Ajax's subdued approach during Sunday's Eredivisie clash against PSV, particularly criticizing goalkeeper Ter Stegen's leisurely distribution while his team trailed 1-2. The veteran analyst struggled to comprehend why Ajax maintained such a passive tempo in their own half despite facing a deficit.
Kraay's Critique of Ajax's Tactical Approach
Speaking on Goedemorgen Eredivisie, Kraay acknowledged that Ajax had performed competently in the opening period, describing it as a quality match between two top Dutch sides. However, between the 70th and 80th minutes, when PSV held the advantage, Ajax's ball circulation became increasingly methodical. "They are 1-2 down. And they are taking their time as if they are 3-0 up," Kraay observed with visible frustration while reviewing footage of the home side's deliberate passing sequences.
The broadcaster directed his concerns toward Ajax manager Míchel, questioning the strategic wisdom of maintaining possession play without purpose. "Why don't you just loft a ball forward once?" Kraay asked rhetorically. "I know Leonardo isn't 3.12 metres tall, but surely you could also go forward once? Then you would quickly be near the opposition goal." This suggestion underlined Kraay's belief that Ajax needed to embrace a more direct attacking approach rather than recycling the ball aimlessly.
Ter Stegen's Bewildering Calmness
What most astonished Kraay was Ter Stegen's demeanor during these passages of play. The goalkeeper appeared entirely unperturbed by Ajax's deficit, wandering deliberately through his restart routines without any sense of urgency. "I really found it unbelievable," Kraay repeated. "I think it is a delight that Ter Stegen is playing here. But I get the idea he did not know Ajax were 1-2 behind." This observation suggested the former Barcelona stopper seemed disconnected from the match context, conducting his distribution as though his team controlled the scoreline comfortably.
Despite his criticism, Kraay tempered his assessment by praising the overall quality on display at the Johan Cruyff ArenA. "For an hour, I thought it was a real top match," he acknowledged, suggesting the entertaining nature of the contest between these Eredivisie rivals compensated for the tactical confusion displayed during crucial phases. The incident highlighted how goalkeeper involvement in build-up play remains a focal point of modern football analysis in the Dutch top flight.
