Kenneth Perez thinks that Ajax”s choice to bring back Brian Brobbey is not yet a resounding success. But that could certainly still be the case, according to the analyst, he said on ESPN.
Perez, who also played for Ajax in the past, joined the ESPN panel to discuss his former side’s victory at Vitesse including Brobbey’s situation.
The 21-year-old attacker has to tolerate captain Dusan Tadic in the pecking order meaning appearances from the bench are far more likely than starts despite Ajax buying him back from RB Leizpig for just under €17 million last summer.
Brobbey was brought in as a replacement to Sebastien Haller who joined Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund but Perez believes the comparison is in any case flawed. He said: “Sébastien Haller was much further ahead on many fronts. No comparison between those two. Haller is much smarter in putting pressure on the ball and moving without the ball. He also does more.”
Nevertheless, the former Danish international sees the potential in Brobbey, who scored eleven goals in 1139 Eredivisie minutes over 22 matches this season. Brobbey also came in on Sunday but missed two big chances.
Perez added: “He is certainly talented and has a nose for goal. But Ten Hag already mentioned it many times; that he does little work. Volendam-home was not the toughest match in Europe, but then he also had to go off with cramp.”
Perez, who had spells at PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente too, added the transfer may not have been a smart move by the club but can see it working out if John Heitinga plays it right.
Perez did not think it was a strong move, but there is certainly a chance that it will still work out favourably.
He said: “With a body like that, it’s such a godsend in today’s football, where you have to be fast and physically strong. I thought that buying back was weak for Ajax. But when everything comes together, the €17 million spent will be much more in the future.”
