PSV made the dream start to the 2022/23 season, winning the Johan Cruijff Schaal after getting the better of Ajax in a thrilling clash.
Here’s how we rated ever player’s performance…
AJAX
Jay Gorter, 3 – Was given the chance to show why he should be Ajax’s first-choice goalkeeper but couldn’t do so, making mistakes that led to PSV’s second and third goals. Expect Remko Pasveer to start the first league game.
Devyne Rensch, 4 – Many Ajax fans feared Rensch having to deal with Cody Gakpo, and they were right to do so. The 19-year-old was hugely exposed by his compatriot, unable to stop him from creating two goals and scoring another. Ajax need a right-back.
Jurrien Timber, 6 – Was relatively solid defensively, but could’ve been more expansive with the ball at his feet.
Daley Blind, 5 – As is so often the case, created a huge amount with his excellent passing and vision early on, but struggled after that, both with and without the ball.
Owen Wijndal, 7 – One of Ajax’s best players going forward, creating two goals and making five key passes, but was vulnerable defensively, being beaten in the air by Til for PSV’s opener. All in all, a positive debut.
Edson Alvarez, 6 – Made some good tackles and blocks, but was very lucky to stay on the pitch after recklessly elbowing an opponent.
Steven Berghuis, 5 – Struggled to get involved, having the second-fewest touches of any outfield Ajax player that started, and didn’t create anything.
Kenneth Taylor, 7 – Very energetic and very threatening; he would have had two goals if not for two excellent saves. In his breakthrough season, Taylor could become one of the most exciting talents around.
Antony, 6 – Scored a goal and had another good effort saved, but did very little else.
Dusan Tadic, 5 – Got on the ball a lot but couldn’t do much with it, having just one shot and not creating a lot.
Steven Bergwijn, 7 – Made the dream start, scoring an excellent goal, and was Ajax’s best player going forward.
SUBSTITUTES:
Calvin Bassey, 3 – Rightfully sent off for a reckless challenge shortly after coming on. A nightmare debut.
Mohamed Kudus, 7 – Gave his team a fighting chance with a beautiful goal.
Davy Klaassen, 5 – Couldn’t have a significant impact.
Brian Brobbey, 5 – Couldn’t have a significant impact.
Perr Schuurs, N/A – Didn’t play long enough to be rated.
PSV
Walter Benitez, 7 – Impressive at times on his debut, making some excellent saves. He should have done better for Antony’s goal, but already looks to be an upgrade on PSV’s goalkeeping options from last year.
Ki-Jana Hoever, 5 – Couldn’t create much going forward and struggled to contain Wijndal and Berwijn.
Jordan Teze, 6 – Didn’t make any mistakes and did well playing at right-back for the last 30 minutes.
Armando Obispo, 6 – Didn’t make any mistakes and looked comfortable on the ball. His powerful long-shot led to his team’s third goal.
Phillip Max, 7 – Contributed at both ends of the pitch, getting forward to link up with Gakpo and send in crosses, while not being exposed defensively.
Ibrahim Sangare, 7 – Put in a trademark performance at the heart of the PSV midfield, winning the ball 11 times, more than any other player, and making some nice passes.
Joey Veerman, 8 – Caused Ajax some real problems with his passing throughout the match, but especially when the game opened up towards the end. In that time, he got an excellent assist and so nearly an excellent goal, hitting the crossbar.
Guus Til, 8 – Did very little for the vast majority of the match, making just eight passes and touching the ball 23 times in 73 minutes. However, three of those touches led to goals thanks to his intelligent movement and clinical finishing, and that ultimately won his team the game.
Johan Bakayako, 6 – Caused Wijndal some problems but created very little.
Luuk de Jong, 7 – Occupied the Ajax defenders well, drawing them away and creating space for both of Til’s goals.
Cody Gakpo, 9 – The best player on the pitch. He looked like creating something every time he got the ball, setting up two goals with excellent crosses before getting one himself. PSV have to keep hold of him, regardless of how much money other teams offer.
SUBSTITUTES
Andre Ramalho, 6 – Handled Brobbey well after coming on and looked sharp. He’ll most likely start against Monaco.
Xavi Simons, 7 – Was threatening as soon as he came on and scored a lovely goal.
Ismael Saibari, 7 – Like Simons, caused Ajax problems on the counter-attack and looked very exciting.
Richard Ledezma, N/A – Dind’t play long enough to be rated.
Finley Crebolder
