Paes will probably play a role as a reserve goalkeeper, but Planting does foresee a starting position for the other three players. “With Tomiyasu, only if he is fit (the Japanese has been out for more than a year with an injury, ed.), but if that is the case, Anton Gaaei may have to make way for Tomiyasu.”
Zinchenko, who has a creditable past at Manchester City and Arsenal, is also good enough for Ajax’s first eleven, says Planting, if he plays left back. “That would be bad news for Owen Wijndal.”
Gloukh, Bounida or Carrizo?
Because Zinchenko and Tomiyasu are not classic attacking backs, Ajax needs fast wingers in attack, says Planting, who expects that the slower Oscar Gloukh will now have to fear for his starting place. “He will initially be replaced by Rayane Bounida, but within six months the new Argentinian Carrizo will have to be in the starting eleven.”
There are plenty of new names to keep an eye on in the near future, but Planting does not expect Ajax to be able to compete with the successful PSV, which will probably become champions for the third time in a row this season. According to the journalist, the selection of the Eindhoven team is still much stronger than that of Ajax. “There is still a lot of work to be done.”
According to the site transfermarkt.nl, Ajax has spent almost 9 million euros on new players. On the other hand, almost 22 million was earned from the sale of players.
