It seems only a matter of time before Gaston Avila will be presented at Ajax. FC Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel confirms the imminent departure of the left back. NH spoke with Belgian TV host Dave Peters about Ajax’s future acquisition. Who is this Argentine footballer?
“He made an impression here. A colorful person in our competition who stands out with his commitment. It is a block of granite with a nice icicle in the legs,” says Peeters.
The footballer came to Belgium for about four million euros last year and is now being sold to Ajax for about 12 million euros. “FC Antwerp is not Manchester City. It is a matter of training, buying well and selling for a good price. FC Antwerp is not yet at the level that they can say we necessarily want to keep a player.”
Avila will play in the left back position. An important reinforcement for Ajax, because trainer Maurice Steijn said on Saturday after the draw against Excelsior (2-2) that he is not satisfied with left backs Anass Salah-Eddine and Owen Wijndal.
Avila had just started his second season with coach Mark van Bommel’s team. Before that he played in Argentina with Boca Juniors and Rosario. Peeters says that he was actually brought in for the second team last year, but that he developed very well and joined the first team. “A type of player who can be embraced by the Amsterdam fans. He is a nice figure.”
At FC Antwerp they are disappointed by the sudden departure of the Argentinian. On Tuesday FC Antwerp will play the important game in the preliminary round of the Champions League against AEK Athens. The Belgians now suddenly have to look for an alternative.
drift frog?
Argentinian footballers in the Netherlands are often labeled wild, somewhat excited footballers. Peters contradicts that. “He does have that reputation a bit, because he can enter the duels vigorously. Yet that is perception. He played 22 duels for FC Antwerp last year and only got a yellow card once.”