Former players give their unvarnished opinion about the restart of the Premier League: “Bad development”

“I think AZ will remain fourth,” Barry van Galen predicts the position of the Alkmaar club. Although he also believes this also depends on a possible departure of Vangelis Pavlidis. The top scorer has already found the net 18 times, making the Alkmaarders very dependent on the Greek nose for the goal. “I have thought AZ has been playing mediocre football all year round. The home games in particular disappoint me. Then you have to go for it and get the crowd behind you, but it is now very wait-and-see.”

“Painful”

Ajax is in 5th place just below AZ. The Amsterdam team is slowly climbing back up after the historic 18th place earlier this season. “I found that very painful,” Olaf Lindenbergh shares his feeling. “I now play with the veterans of Ajax and I also visit all home games, but I could never have imagined this.”

Text continues below the tweet.

“Yet you should be able to win most matches with this group of players,” is the opinion of the optimistic Lindenbergh. The resident of Purmerend himself played for Ajax for two seasons. “Since John van ‘t Schip took over from Maurice Steijn, things have gone much better. We have won almost everything, so I can see Ajax finishing third.” The next opponent for Ajax is Go Ahead Eagles in Deventer.

“Annoying”

While AZ and Ajax are competing for the top spots, FC Volendam is mainly busy keeping their heads above the water. The eel farmers only achieved 11 points from 16 matches. “I believe that the position on the rankings corresponds to the performance and quality of the selection,” Johan Steur does not beat around the bush. The club icon is always in the stands at every home match. “FC Volendam is my club and I hope we stay in it, but this will be very difficult. Although things have gone a little better in the last two games.”

Text continues below the image.

Van Galen can still live with his place in the rankings, but he is particularly disappointed with the football on display. “Nowadays, the backs are playing an increasingly important role. You see this not only at AZ, but also at Feyenoord and Ajax. Look at Steven Berghuis, for example. He stands for one goal and, especially as a winger, has to make room for the emerging back. This is what I think a bad development.”

“I like wingers who have action and dare to be decisive,” Van Galen continues with his argument. “Maybe I’m old school.” This weekend AZ will visit competitor FC Twente.

“Counter”

As a football fan, Johan Steur prefers to see attractive and attacking football. Although the former FC Volendam playmaker understands that the coaching duo of Michael Dingsdag & Regilio Simons opts for a more defensive tactic. “In the last two games, FC Volendam has been playing more on the counter. That is not the football I like, but it does yield points. And perhaps the only option to stay in the Premier League.”

“Some experienced players are now returning from injuries,” Steur refers to Xavier Mbuyamba and Luke Le Roux. “That makes a difference with a sip on a drink, but I still think you have too young a midfield, it would be useful if FC Volendam brought in an experienced player.” FC Volendam will host Almere City at home on Sunday.