It was also a special evening for goalkeeper Jay Gorter, who made his debut in Ajax’s main squad. De Purmerender was taken over from Go Ahead Eagles last summer for 1 million euros. Ajax sees in him the future keeper of Ajax-1, but for the time being he had to make do with matches for Young Ajax. “We know what trajectory he is in. We chose that together. He is doing well and has taken the next steps,” said trainer Erik ten Hag in advance.
The team bus of Excelsior Maassluis was waved goodbye on departure by fans, who were disappointed not to be able to encourage their favorites in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The fact that not only reserves were appointed at Ajax, but also Antony, Davy Klaassen and Jurriën Timber was a boost for the amateurs.
Nicolas Tagliafico hits the opening goal against the ropes.
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At halftime it was already 5-0 thanks to a hat trick from Danilo and goals from Nico Tagliafico and Regeer, the son of former Telstar pro Arend Regeer. De Zandvoorter completed the ninety minutes. In the first half he played as a midfielder and after the break as a right back, the position where he probably has the greatest chance of breaking through in the main squad.
Ajax coach Erik ten Hag directs his players.
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With Naci Ünüvar, Kristian Hlynsson and Mohamed Daramy as replacements for Klaassen, Timber and Antony, Ajax went looking for a bigger lead after the break. Danilo made a fourth, as a result of which the Brazilian, who also scored twice against Barendrecht, has already scored six goals in this cup tournament and is therefore the best known cup tournament top scorer. Hlynsson, who had already scored against Barendrecht, and Daramy also scored: 8-0.
That last goal came in the 66th minute and Ajax’s highest cup win ever, the 14-1 victory over WHC in 2009 with six goals by Luis Suarez, seemed feasible, but in the remainder of the match, with Steven Berghuis and Ryan Gravenberch as substitutes, the Ajacieds’ scoring drive faltered somewhat, as a result of which the double figures were ultimately not reached. Daramy made it 9-0. After Danilo was injured ten minutes before time, Ajax ended the match with ten men, because Ten Hag had already made the maximum number of substitutions at that time. Ünüvar had also been injured earlier.
Danilo was good for four goals.
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danilo
Danilo was particularly happy with his four goals. “This is very nice for me”, he said, immediately thanking his teammates for the good preparatory work.
“We have done very well as a team”, said the striker, who has little time to play football at Ajax. Initially he was the second striker behind Sébastien Haller, currently active in the Africa Cup. In the winter break, however, Ajax also brought back Brian Brobbey.
Danilo said it wouldn’t bother him. “Brian did a good job right away and that’s what matters. If the trainer thinks he needs him, then that’s fine. There will be a reason for it. Do I leave now? I can’t say anything about that, my agent is working on it. I am playing football.”