The best player in the Johan Cruijff Arena on Sunday was without a doubt Dusan Tadic. With two hits and an assist, the Ajax captain showed his old form again. In addition, the goalkeeper also reached a special milestone. He is on a hundred hits for the Amsterdam club.
“The main reason for our good game is John Heitinga”, Dusan Tadic praises his trainer after the 4-0 win against Sparta. Heitinga took over from the fired Alfred Schreuder at the end of January. Since then, the team from Amsterdam has won five times and drawn once. “The smile is back and everyone is fighting for each other.”
Clarity
After Tadic’s analysis, John Heitinga took a seat in the press room. A journalist presented the Ajax coach with his captain’s words of praise. Heitinga indicated that he had created a lot of clarity, because that is what he liked as a player himself. “I’d rather you say something than say nothing.”
With a big boost of self-confidence, Ajax will travel to Germany this week. In Berlin, the team of Heitinga will meet Union Berlin for the return in the Europa League. A tough job, because last week Ajax didn’t have much to say against the number three from the Bundesliga.
Text continues below the video.
Milestone
In the German capital, Tadic will most likely be at the point of attack again. Against Sparta he showed that he is important in that role as a finisher and principal. In addition, he proved his worth as a penalty specialist. Against the Kasteelclub he already scored his 28th from the spot and it also meant his hundredth goal for Ajax. Afterwards, the emotional Tadic celebrated a party with the Amsterdam audience. “This has always been my dream club.”
Text continues below the video.
In addition to Tadic, Kenneth Taylor and Mohammed Kudus also scored for Ajax against Sparta. Due to the win, the current national champion has moved up one spot in the ranking to position two. The difference with leader Feyenoord is now three points.