When Ajax were paired with Barça for the first time, who would have thought that Ajax would win in Amsterdam? Ajax were wonderful in the first half and Blind is slowly winning me over in the #6 role. I shouldn't have been too critical on Frank De Boer probably, after all he does know a bit or two about fullbacks doing well in midfield. Now after watching Blind play in that midfield role consistently, he does seem to be adapting well. Not sure how much benefit that would make for his role as LB for Oranje though. After 40 mins, Ajax had 55% possession and completed more passes than Barça and what more, the possession wasn't sterile but actually created some goal scoring chances. Thankfully there were no stupid comments like “wow, look at all these teams learning from Barça” as my broadcast had Russian commentary. The performance wasn't that surprising though – Ajax held their own comfortably at Nou Camp before Duarte (who joined from Heracles and was making his CL debut) gave away a cheap foul vs Messi around HT. Before that, Barça had no clear chances to score while Valdés made two excellent saves to deny Ajax taking the lead. With Messi and Valdés absent, it was more relaxing for Ajax this time. Of course Barça were missing other players just like Ajax were missing their own Sigþórsson, Krkic (on-loan from Barça but allowed to play against them), Siem de Jong. Boilesen was brilliant as LB before getting injured. Impressed with how quickly Blind adapted to a completely new role within the same game (moving from #6 to LB). There was Poulsen for an hour and still Barça couldn't test him [:p].
Neymar was the biggest attacking threat from Barça while Fabregas and Pedro were almost non existent. Irritated me with their petulance too. Fabregas unnecessarily fouling (and throwing the ball at Poulsen) and Pedro waving that card in ref's face after Veltman's foul on Neymar. The crowd really didn't like Neymar for the exaggerated reactions to each foul. For every tackle, he makes it look like a near death experience for him. They did make sure everyone knew their feelings but jeering and whistling every Neymar touch after that. Anyway, apart from that little annoying trait, he's a very good player. Liked his runs from the wide areas to center dragging Van Rhijn away but luckily for Ajax, it was Montoya and not Alba running into that vacant space. Masch and excessive talking to referees. Pique running all the way across the pitch to participate in handbags. Some things never change eh? :)
Ajax side are not exactly famed for their defensive nous though. The Cruyffian ideology asks for ball playing defenders and not exactly players who play with blood and thunder. The majority of the tactics is to defend by denying opposition the ball and winning back the ball with heavy pressing. Last ditch tackles are not exactly their forte. Not really bothered with whether you guys agree with this style or not, but it has its own charm. So it was pleasing to see the other side of their game yesterday. Didn't get scared after the red card and held their own well in a 4-4-1 formation, even turning to a 4-5-0 after Hoesen got subbed with Duarte.
Ajax side cost 11m Euros with an avg salary of 700,000 Euros a yr. Of the 36 members in the match day squad for both sides, 23 came through either La Masia or De Toekomst. What was that article about "not so wonderful academy of Ajax"? Beating Barça at their own game. That's how wonderful Ajax academy is. As a Spanish paper put it (I forget which one), Ajax showed their technique in first half and courage in second. Now all they need is a win in San Siro to progress. How bloody good that would be! :)
Special mentions to Viktor Fischer, who suddenly seemed to have found his mojo back last week. Davy Klaassen, who is now part of senior side after getting promoted from A1. But my man of the match is Thulani Serero – a frail midget with ill fitting shirt but what a match he had. Ghosted past everyone for the first goal and dominated the midfield throughout. Almost makes me feel even I could have made it.
PS
Pep is playing Lahm at CM and De Boer is playing Blind as #6. At least Pogba should now see why Fergie played Rafael at CM 24 months ago. Too blind to recognize SAF as a visionary. Only joking of course.
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