Ajax Midfielder Steven Berghuis Points to Tactical Shifts as Root Cause of Team Struggles and Gloukh's Underperformance
Ajax, a club synonymous with attacking football and youth development, finds itself in a challenging period, currently sitting fifth in the Eredivisie. The recent 1-2 defeat to FC Twente underscored their ongoing struggles. Amidst this backdrop, experienced midfielder Steven Berghuis has offered a candid assessment, shedding light on what he perceives as the core issues plaguing the Amsterdam giants.
Gloukh's €15 Million Predicament
One of the most prominent points Berghuis addressed was the situation of Oscar Gloukh. The young Israeli talent arrived at Ajax for a hefty fee of around €15 million, a sum that typically signifies a player expected to make an immediate impact. However, Gloukh has struggled to establish himself, often finding himself on the periphery of the starting eleven. Berghuis, quick to defend his teammate, emphasized that Gloukh possesses genuine footballing ability. "That boy can play football well," Berghuis stated, deflecting any notion of a lack of talent from Gloukh himself.
The issue, according to Berghuis, lies squarely with the club's fluctuating tactical philosophy. He explained that Gloukh was initially brought in for a specific style of play. Yet, that approach has since been abandoned, leaving players like Gloukh in a difficult position. The shift to systems, such as playing with five defenders, inherently reduces the number of midfield roles available, a tactical adjustment that simply doesn't align with Gloukh's natural profile as a creative midfielder. This constant change prevents players from settling into a rhythm and showcasing their strengths.
Tactical Instability and Team Underperformance
Berghuis didn't limit his observations to Gloukh alone. He believes that the tactical inconsistency impacts the entire squad, leading to a widespread underperformance. When the team's strategy is constantly shifting, or when it doesn't complement the strengths of the players on the field, it creates an environment where individual talents cannot flourish. This sentiment resonates with Ajax's current league standing, a far cry from their usual title-contending positions. The veteran player articulated that if the fundamental "common thread" of how the team wants to play is missing or frequently altered, then players will inevitably perform below their potential, and the team will collectively fall short of expectations.
The challenges at Ajax extend beyond the pitch, touching upon the leadership in the dugout. The club recently saw a change in management, with Óscar García taking over from interim coach Fred Grim. While Berghuis expressed appreciation for García's efforts and the energy he and his staff are trying to inject, he was also realistic about the current situation. He noted that every coaching staff this season has tried everything within their power to turn things around. Yet, the team's inability to deliver consistent results persists, suggesting a deeper, more systemic problem that goes beyond who is at the helm.
Key Issues Highlighted by Berghuis:
- Inconsistent Tactical Approach: Frequent changes in formation and playing style disrupt player adaptation.
- Mismatch of Player Profiles: New tactics, like the five-defender system, don't suit existing player strengths, especially in midfield.
- Widespread Underperformance: Players are unable to reach their full potential due to tactical instability.
- Deep-Rooted Problems: The team's struggles are systemic, not just a result of coaching changes.
This analysis from a senior player like Berghuis offers valuable insight into the internal dynamics of a struggling top-tier club. It suggests that success isn't just about recruiting talented players, but also about creating a cohesive tactical framework that allows those talents to thrive. For Ajax, the path forward will likely involve re-establishing a clear footballing identity and ensuring that player acquisitions align with that vision.
The Road Ahead for Ajax
The situation at Ajax is complex, with a blend of high expectations, significant investments, and disappointing outcomes. Berghuis's comments underscore the frustration within the squad and highlight a critical need for stability. For a club with Ajax's rich history and demanding fan base, finishing fifth in the Eredivisie is simply not acceptable. The club's leadership will face increasing pressure to address these fundamental issues, moving beyond quick fixes and towards a sustainable long-term strategy. This includes not only finding the right coach but also ensuring that the club's transfer policy and tactical blueprint are harmonized to bring Ajax back to its customary position at the top of Dutch football.
Key Takeaways:
- Steven Berghuis defends Oscar Gloukh, stating his talent isn't the problem.
- Berghuis attributes Gloukh's struggles and Ajax's overall poor form to inconsistent tactical strategies.
- The shift to a five-defender system is specifically cited as detrimental to midfielders like Gloukh.
- Ajax's inability to deliver results is seen as a systemic issue, despite coaching changes.
- The club faces a significant challenge in re-establishing a clear tactical identity and maximizing player potential.
— Editorial Team
