Ajax suffered a damaging 1-3 defeat to PSV on Saturday in a critical Eredivisie clash, but the result has overshadowed a more pressing tactical controversy surrounding head coach Míchel's team selection. Leading football analyst Valentijn Driessen has launched a scathing critique of the Spanish manager's decision to bench Abdellah Ouazane, a player who has emerged as one of the club's brightest attacking prospects this season.
Driessen, speaking on Kick-Off Monday, voiced bewilderment at Míchel's choice to deploy Oscar Gloukh on the left wing instead of Ouazane, who has formed a potent partnership with fellow winger Brandt in recent weeks. The De Telegraaf editor described the decision as incomprehensible for such a high-stakes fixture. "Ouazane and Brandt have been the revelation at Ajax in recent weeks. So much danger came from them, especially after Godts' departure. And then you get a big match and what does the coach do? He takes Ouazane out," Driessen lamented, visibly frustrated by the tactical call.
A Wasted Partnership
The criticism extends beyond mere lineup changes—Driessen questions whether Gloukh possesses the quality required to perform at Ajax's level. The attacking midfielder was largely anonymous throughout the match, failing to provide any meaningful attacking impetus down the left flank. "Gloukh simply is not it. He is and remains not of Ajax level. He is much more of a futsal player than a player for Ajax," Driessen said with conviction. This assessment reflects growing concerns about the 23-year-old's integration into Míchel's squad.
The tactical imbalance created by Gloukh's presence became evident as PSV right-back Sergiño Dest found ample space to advance forward unchecked. "Dest has never had it so easy. He was able simply to push forward," Driessen observed, highlighting how the substitution fundamentally altered Ajax's defensive shape. Additionally, Driessen criticized Ajax's Brazilian left-back, noting defensive vulnerabilities that went largely unexploited in the early stages before being brutally exposed as the match progressed.
Míchel finally introduced Ouazane in the 72nd minute, but by that stage Ajax were already trailing and the damage was done. The decision to bench a player showing consistent form against PSV's high-pressing system represents a significant misjudgment in a campaign where Eredivisie points are increasingly valuable. Ouazane's emergence has been one of few bright spots for Ajax followers this season, and his absence against a direct title rival raises questions about Míchel's tactical philosophy going forward.
