Ajax took a crucial step towards making it to the finals of the Champions League by securing a 1-0 win over Tottenham away from home.
Hakim Ziyech did brilliantly to set up Donny van de Beek for the only goal that was scored on the night.
We take a closer look at the 22-year-old’sperformance.
KEY-STATS
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
Shots: 3
Shots on target: 2
Pass (success rate): 33(70%)
Key-passes: 2
Dribbles completed: 2
Dispossessed: 2
30-SECOND REPORT
Van de Beek’s lone goal in the 16th minute separated the two teams at the end of 90 minutes and provided Ajax an advantage ahead of the home leg at Amsterdam.
The midfielder started right behind Dusan Tadic – almost as a second striker – and troubled Spurs with his pressing and intelligent off-the-ball movement.
The 22-year-old failed to find the perfect start to the game, skying his first shot miles above the crossbar. Eventually, he managed to put on his scoring boots.
GOT RIGHT
Finishing: Van de Beek already displayed against Juventus and Real Madrid that he can be decisive when things are going his way in the final third. Indeed, things went his way as he made the best of what was presented to him.
Ajax created a lot of chances in the opening stages of the game, but failed to bury as many as they should have. The introduction of Moussa Sissoko tipped the scale towards the hosts. Eventually it all came down to Van de Beek’s heroic moment when he wrong-footed Hugo Lloris to finish off Ziyech’s pass.
The youngster maintained composure and managed to score past the Spurs skipper with a clever finish.
Defensive actions: The 22-year-old’s pressing game forced quite a few mistakes at the Spurs end. Also, Van de Beek won all the tackles he attempted and hence played a crucial role in breaking down the Spurs attacks before they even began.
The youngster hence proved to be helpful to disrupt Spurs’ counter-attacks and help Ajax in the transition. With a clearance and interception each, it’s clear that he was reading the game incredibly well and adjusting accordingly.
Van de Beek has been successful in Europe this summer
VERDICT
After inspirational performances against Madrid and Juventus, Van de Beek displayed his mettle by repeating the feat against Spurs.
The Dutchman looked like trouble every time Ajax were transitioning or launching a counter-attack. His link-up with Ziyech also helped create some trouble on the right side of the pitch.
Van de Beek is in good form going into the second leg and possibly the finals and this could provide some boost as Ajax aim to end the season with the treble.
In a world where Matthijs de Ligt is linked with top clubs for an exorbitant fee and Frenkie de Jong has already secured a move to Barcelona, it’s surprising how not many are fighting for his signature.
RATING: 8/10