Tag Archives: Ajax

QPR close in on double signing

July 30, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

News is emerging today on VI.nl that QPR are closing in on the signings of Leroy Fer and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, both of whom would be decent additions to an already talented squad. It’s clear Harry Redknapp is continuing to use his wide range of players to get value for money in the transfer market, something that QPR failed to do last time they were in the Premier League. Marc Overmars told VI.nl that they are close to an agreement with the London based side for their Icelandic striker, while the website also confirmed that a fee had been agreed for the Norwich midfielder, who impressed in the Premier League last season writes Jacob Jackman.

Last season for Norwich, Leroy Fer was one of the standout players, showing his capabilities in both halves of the pitch as he played a box to box role for the Canaries. Although he only scored three goals, Norwich were a team which struggled to fine the net, which makes his tally a little more impressive. QPR will benefit from the Dutch international’s energy in the middle of the park and his talent for playing defence splitting through balls will be welcomed as they need more creativity in their side.

The fee for Fer is believed to be around €6m, which will prove to be a snip for QPR as he is still only 24 and has the talent to move to a bigger club in the future if he continues to progress. It is also a deal which lacks risk as the club know the Norwich player can shine in the Premier League. Although there were some reports that linked Fer with a move to Southampton, it appears that the transfer to QPR will be wrapped up in the coming days, making any movements to hijack the deal unlikely. Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports News today that Fer is one of the club’s main targets, when a manager talks openly about an incoming transfer, it normally indicates a deal is close to being completed.

Meanwhile, Marc Overmars has told VI.nl “I have had some good talks with QPR over Kolbeinn. We are pretty close to each other regarding the transfer fee, but the player’s demands are obviously important as well. I think QPR is a good opportunity for Kolbeinn. Just look at how Wilfried Bony fares in the Premier League. He has already caught the attention of some major clubs after just one year in England.”

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson has been targeted to add more goals to a QPR front line which was too dependent on Charlie Austin last season, who is untested at the highest level. The Ajax striker has impressed in the Eredivisie, scoring 39 goals in 91 league matches for Ajax and AZ combined, while he has 15 in 23 caps for Iceland, showing that he is a prolific goalscorer. He is a complete forward, capable of scoring all kinds of goal, and he can also play well with his feet, as you would expect from an Ajax player. Some have compared him with compatriot Eider Gudjohnson and they aren’t inaccurate, QPR will be getting a very talented player. The fee is believed to be around £5m, which could prove to be one of the moves of the summer.

If QPR manage to complete these two deals, it could be seen as a coup for a promoted side, but the London club have a good squad and a manager who is respected around the world, they have the perfect set up to attract players. They should be able to deal with the top flight better this time around and these two will become key parts of the side, if as expected, they join the squad at Loftus Road. Both players could go onto greater things in the game and will need to be consistent performers for QPR to attract bigger clubs. Although this may be seen as a negative reason to move to a new club, it is better for a side like QPR to recruit hungry young players than players who are only interested in a big pay day. That was their fault last time.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Atletico look to Ajax’s Fischer

July 27, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Atletico Madrid continue their pursuit of the top talent in the game having lost three of their starting eleven from last season. Attention has now turned to injured Ajax winger Viktor Fischer.

Fischer, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, is considered one of the best young talents in Europe and Los Rojiblancos are more than willing to pay the €15 million that may be required to prise the youngster away from the Dutch club.

The injury the young Dane suffered was quite a severe hamstring tear which required surgery and geerally has a recovery time of four months. The operation took place on April 22 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

With Atletico also believed to be in advanced stages of a transfer for Antoine Griezmann, it would mean that the beaten Champions League finalists’ would have upgraded several key positions since their magical campaign last year.

Fischer, who just turned 20 during the summer, has appeared 47 times for Ajax and scored on 13 occasions. He also has Champions League experience, having played eight times over two seasons at this stage of his career.

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FEATURE

Daley Blind could be Man Utd’s surprise signing

July 24, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Since Louis van Gaal was announced as the new Manchester United manager in late June, if you are Dutch and not linked with a move to Old Trafford then you can count yourself unfortunate. Speculation around who the new boss is going to bring with him was always going to be elevated because of the third place finish they achieved which was well above expectations writes Joe Maloney.

A number of eye catching displays were noticed throughout the tournament especially after the 5-1 and 3-0 thrashings to Spain and Brazil. In truth, you wouldn’t have found many people picking the likes of Nigel De Jong, Stefan De Vrij, Wesley Sneijder Memphis Depay and Jordy Clasie as the players who were going to reinvigorate a team that finished its worst ever Premier League campaign in seventh place. It is clear, Manchester United require an influx of new faces if they are to mount a serious title push this coming season.

One player who should be high on the list however is Daley Blind. A man who was very familiar to the Dutch management structure for this tournament, with his father Danny being employed as LVG’s right hand man. Blind, 24 who graduated through the famous Ajax academy (a club close to Van Gaal’s heart) possesses a number of qualities that would ensure him to be an important player in the new United regime.

His outstanding display at left wing back, against defending champions Spain, was one of the outstanding performances of the tournament. Few forget Robin van Persie’s remarkable diving head was met from an outstanding cross field ball from Blind. Left-back, his most natural position, is something United will need cover for because of the recent sale of Patrice Evra to Juventus. There is no other recognised left back remaining except for new signing Luke Shaw.

Although Shaw has been brought in from Southampton for £27 million, it will be impossible to ask an eighteen year old to play his first full season at one of the biggest clubs in the world without a dip in form or injury. Blind has demonstrated his ability to play at wing back, should Van Gaal decide to utilize the 5-3-2 system that worked so well for the Netherlands over the summer.

One of the attractions to Van Gaal’s style of management is his ability to recognise things are not working how he would like and switch to a different system that his players know like the back of their hand. He did this a number of times during the tournament, which saw Blind perform well in a slightly deeper defensive role, while the team changed to a vintage 4-3-3 formation. He has also tailored his game to be a useful central defender. The new boss has made it clear to the clubs hierarchy that it is a priority to bring in players within this area after losing the experienced figures Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The only recognised centre defenders remaining in the squad are Johny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, all of which struggled with injuries and form last season.

After beating LA Galaxy in their first pre season game 7-0, Van Gaal insisted United would continue playing the 5-3-2 when the season began. Therefore, it is obvious signings will need to be made. Darren Fletcher finished the match Pasadena at the back because of the lack of depth available. Daley’s international team mate Stefan De Vrij has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, although he appeared to struggle whenever tactics were switched to a 4-3-3 system and he had only one central partner. De Vrij has been put up for sale by Feyenoord since the conclusion of the World Cup which casts major doubts over his capabilities.

The most valuable problem Blind will be able to solve in United’s team is the holding midfield role vacated by the injury to Michael Carrick. Although Carrick remains an important player for the reds, it is obvious this area of the team requires refreshing. Currently, it lacks pace, power, energy, drive, creativity and stability. Ander Herrera is an almost certain starter next term yet it is apparent van Gaal would like to add to this area. Marouane Fellaini, brought in by David Moyes for a extravagant fee of £27 million is not good enough for a club of United’s stature. Darren Fletcher is unlikely to ever be the player he once was, before his unfortunate illness, and Tom Cleverley has failed to live up to the promise he once suggested.

Blind was a regular in the Ajax side that culminated in being crowned League champions last season. At the age of 24, he has the majority required, yet years ahead of him to establish himself in the middle of the park. His naturally defensive mind-set may profit Herrera, also in his first year with the club. Herrera, who was second to Fabregas in attempting through balls in La Liga last year, will be expected to create opportunities for Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney. At the same time he is very comfortable on the ball and uses possession well. National team mate Nigel De Jong is regularly criticised for his passing ability, therefore making him a better option.

Another Dutchman who will likely be signed by Van Gaal is Kevin Strootman. He is a big fan of the Roma anchor man, however the serious knee injury picked up last season ruled him out of the World Cup and he has only just recently started training. Therefore it is unlikely Strootman will be signing for United this summer. That is a possible deal likely to be revisited in January or next summer.

The new United boss has said he wants to assess his options before making any further signings this summer. However, it is predicted a number of investments will be made before the transfer window shuts at the end of August. Deals may happen late in the window. The club starts the season without having to play any of last season’s top six teams in the first six fixtures of the new campaign. Therefore the panic for deals to be completed isn’t as frantic as in past seasons. If United are to regain the title from neighbours Manchester City next May, they will have to have the best squad because of the strains the Premier League creates. Flexibility is key for the different types of opposition that will be faced. Consequently the signing of Daley Blind may not be the biggest signing Manchester United make this summer but it may just be the valuable one that helps Louis van Gaal deliver success in his first season at Old Trafford.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

QPR target Sigthórsson is “close to transfer”

July 18, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Kolbeinn Sigthórsson is leaving Eredivisie champions Ajax after having spent three seasons in Amsterdam. Head coach Frank de Boer earlier today stated that “Sigthórsson is close to transfer” and is set to leave to Amsterdam club writes Alex Pieter.

He is set to join English side Queens Park Rangers for a reported fee of £5m. The striker duties in Amsterdam are now the responsibility of new signings Arkadiusz Milik and Ricardo Zivkovic.

Sigthórsson’s time in Amsterdam can best be described as tumultuous. The Icelander never really developed into the player Ajax hoped he would when they bought him from AZ Alkmaar in 2011 for €4.5m. A large part of this was due to Sigthórsson’s inability to stay healthy. He suffered a series of injuries while at Ajax and was rarely in peak fitness or form. When he was, he showed brief flashes of his true potential. However, Sigthórsson did have a knack for scoring important goals for Ajax. This past season he managed 10 goals in 30 league appearances and many of those coming at vital times.

Sigthórsson’s biggest problem in Amsterdam was that he never had the attributes of a classic Ajax number nine. Sigthórsson is at his best when he is receiving a steady diet of crosses, something Ajax, traditionally, is not keen on doing.

For one, Sigthórsson struggles to create for himself and often needs his chances served to him on a silver platter in order to deliver. He is very average on the ball and lacks pace, which can be attributed to his long injury history, particularly his fractured ankle in the 2011-2012 season.

Frank de Boer tried him on the wing this year with very limited success, so versatility is another issue for Sigthórsson, as he is best as a lone or paired striker. His finishing is very inconsistent, something that must improve if he is to succeed at QPR.

Sigthórsson also has a bit of a “clutch factor” about him. It seemed this past year when Ajax was truly in need of a goal Sigthórsson was someone they could turn to, and many times he delivered. For example, he scored a huge goal in de Klassieker against Feyenoord which levelled the score 1-1, Ajax would go on to win 2-1. Another example is when he scored the lone goal in the first match back from the winter pause, to give Ajax an important three points against PSV.

For all of Sigthórsson’s shortcomings, he is still a very solid player. It may be that the Icelandic international just needs a change of scenery and a club that plays a style for suited to his strengths. A capable passer, Sigthórsson is also a physical attacker, standing at 6’3 he is a force to be reckoned with through the air.

If he is able to stay healthy, get quality service and fit into the QPR system he could end up being a very solid investment for the Premier League club.

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NEWS

Van Rhijn commits to Ajax

July 17, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Ajax right-back Ricardo van Rhijn has agreed to a three-year contract extension. The 23-year-old right-back is now slated to remain in Amsterdam until 2018.

Van Rhijn is an Ajax academy graduate, having been part of the club since 2002. With Daley Blind solidifying himself in the role of defensive midfield, and the potential transfer of Niklas Moisander looming, van Rhijn will be looked upon by Frank de Boer to provide leadership on the backline. The central defensive partnership of Joël Veltman and Stefano Denswil are young and still relatively inexperienced, however, Nick Viergever has arrived from AZ Alkmaar to lend a helping hand. The left-back position is also a spot where Ajax will suffer from a lack of experience, as the front runner for the position, Nicolai Boilesen, spent much of last season battling injuries.

Van Rhijn is already among one of the more experienced players in the projected Ajax starting eleven for this next season. He has made over 100 appearances for the first team of Ajax, according to the official website of the club.

Van Rhijn now joins Veltman, Thulani Serero and Davy Klaassen as players under contract until 2018, a very solid core for the Amsterdam club.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

QPR agree to sign Ajax striker

July 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

QPR have agreed to sign Icelandic footballer, Kolbeinn Sigthórsson, from Ajax. The fee believed to be in the region of £5 million for the 24 year old. It is believed that Harry Redknapp has offered Sigthórsson a contract and is waiting to hear back from him.

Sigthórsson has played for Ajax since signing from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2011, and has appeared for the club 59 times scoring 24 goals during that span. The Icelandic international has also played for his country 23 times scoring 15 goals.

Earlier in his career, there was talk of interest from Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, but an ankle injury in 2011 slowed down his progress. What QPR will be receiving in the deal is an out-and-out goalscorer with speed, skill and strength that will certainly stand to him in the England’s Premier League.

Ajax also lost another striker, their club captain, Siem de Jong to Newcastle earlier in the transfer window. Although the Amsterdam-based club are not unfamiliar to losing their star players, the loss of two of their star strikers during a hectic summer window will be tough. The two men accounted for 17 goals between them last season, with only Davy Klaassen equalling Sigthórsson 10 goal haul.

Ajax manager Frank de Boer coach did state last season that teams should keep away from Klaassen and Joel Veltman, expecting them to be the targets of plenty of transfer attention, he never mentioned de Jong or Sigthórsson and it appears teams heeded his warning.

While not being technically gifted, the man who is set to become Harry Redknapp’s latest signing has quite a good eye for goal and is an excellent finisher. He would be joining at team that still boasts Loic Remy, Charlie Austin, Junior Hoilett and Bobby Zamora and Kevin Doyle, although Zamora is still to sign a new contract with the club and Remy has been linked heavily with a move away. QPR were relegated, having finished last, during the 2012/13 campaign of the English Premier League with the least amount of goals scored, a paltry 30, which was 13 goals behind their closest rivals.

Sigthórsson would be looking to follow the success of his countryman, Eidur Gudjohnsen, who excelled during his time with Chelsea, and the comparisons will not be slow to roll in. A move for Sigthórsson to a different league at this point of his career might be good thing and if he can hit the ground running, QPR fans will be signing his name from the terraces in no time at all.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

Tottenham linked to young Ajax defender

July 8, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Prior to the World Cup and before every other player in The Netherlands squad was being linked with moves away, Ajax Director of Football, Marc Overmars issued a warning to Premier League clubs that Joel Veltman would not be leaving the Amsterdam ArenA. Despite the hands-off warning, the 22-year-old and links to the Premier League just won’t go away writes Robbie Dunne.

The Dutch centre-back is seen as a long term solution to Spurs’ issues at the back and amid growing worries over Younes Kaboul’s fitness, it appears they need youth and depth in their ranks. Their other centre-half options are Vlad Chiriches, who had a very good debut season in the Premiership, Michael Dawson, won is almost 31 and has injury woes of his own, and Jan Vertonghen, who is an Ajax Academy player himself and has been linked with moves away, along with not being happy to have been played out of position under Tim Sherwood and Andre Villas Boas.

Veltman played 25 times for Ajax last season and had more impressive stats than every centre-half option in the Spurs’ squad aside from Michael Dawson, who played seven more games.

Veltman moved to Ajax in 2001, having grown up in Velsen, Holland. He made his debut for the first team in 2012 and has been involved in their last two campaigns, last campaign his time on the field saw a dramatic incline, having only featured seven times in in the 2012/13 season. With Ajax having won the Eredivisie yet again, they are set to play Champions League football and with this exposure to the European game, Veltman’s rise is set to continue.

While he possesses the same characteristics that seem innate in so many young Dutch footballers, like being comfortable on the ball, being able to pass out of defense, he is also good in the air and strong in the tackle.

Having spoken with many Dutch experts, they see it increasingly unlikely that a summer move from Ajax will happen, seeing as Veltman is set to anchor Ajax’s first team yet again and needs more time to develop to the demands of the Premier League.

So, all the links to teams such as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspurs are just wishful thinking? That remains the pressing question. Can Veltman afford to perhaps spend a season in the middle of his development on the bench? Would Arsenal, Spurs or Manchester United be better off allowing him to develop his talents further, arrange a fee perhaps in January and allow Veltman transition into his role as a superstar in the Premier League.

While the development of such a player remains a priority, it would be wise for the clubs looking at the classy centre-back to arrange a fee before the €3.5 million he is valued at turns into a fee that is astronomically higher.

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NEWS, TRANSFERS

What can Newcastle fans expect from Siem de Jong?

July 2, 2014 Will Burns 1 Comment

Late last night, news broke that Ajax had sold another club captain. This time round, it was Siem de Jong that was leaving the Eredivisie for the Premier League and joining Newcastle United writes Will Burns.

De Jong put pen to paper on a six-year deal and he will give the Magpies the creative attacking midfielder they have been longing for since the departure of Yohan Cabaye last January. He is the elder brother of Borussia Monchengladbach striker Luuk de Jong, who spent a frustrating six months on loan at St. James Park during the second half of the last season.

Factfile

– Although, De Jong represents the Dutch national team, he was actually born in Aigle, Switzerland on 28th January 1989.

– After moving to the Netherlands at the age of six, Siem joined local club DZC’68 in city of Doetinchem, before switching to De Graafschap.

– De Jong moved onto the famous Ajax youth set-up in 2005 and competed at every level until he made his first team debut in September 2007, as a substitute against Kozakken Boys in the KNVB Beker.

– After his debut, he went from strength to strength and made 244 appearances in all competitions over seven successful seasons, scoring 78 times.

– Was made club captain by manager Frank de Boer in the summer of 2012, and went on to lead Ajax to the Eredivisie title in 2012/13 and 2013/14.

– He has won four Eredivisie championships in four consecutive years from the 2010/11 campaign as well as lifting one KNVB Beker (2009/10) and one Johan Cruyff Schaal (2013/14).

– De Jong has represented Oranje at every level from under-17 to the senior side, making his full international debut in August 2010 in a friendly against Ukraine.

– As time of writing, Siem has six full caps with two goals. Both were scored in the same match – a 3-0 friendly victory over Indonesia in June 2013.

What will De Jong give to the Geordies…

The 25-year-old is a hard-working, skilful and intelligent footballer that could be a real hit with the Toon Army. Although due to his lack of strength and the pace of the Premier League, maybe not initially, even though I feel he will adapt quickly.

Once Jan Vertonghen packed his bags and left Amsterdam for dizzy heights of the Premier League to sign for Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax boss Frank de Boer handed De Jong the captain’s armband and his leadership skills shone through. He is very vocal on the pitch, directing and encouraging his team-mates as they reflect his tremendous work rate.

He is at home in the attacking midfielder role, but can also fit in as a striker with great composure in the box. In either role, De Jong can make defenders’ lives difficult with his positioning and awareness, finding space with ease, making himself available for the next pass. Once receiving the ball, he is comfortable technically and he has great vision with a varied range of accurate passing.

The Dutchman, wherever he is selected, is a real threat in front of goal and on the edge of the area. The power in his shots can trouble goalkeepers from great distance, which should get St. James Park on its feet. He really can be a game decider.

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

KNVB BEKER REPORT, KNVB CUP

KNVB Beker Final: Ajax find the 5-1 defeat hard to Zwolle

April 20, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Sunday 20th April

PEC ZWOLLE 5-1 AJAX

Sunday was an amazing day for PEC Zwolle’s fans across the country as they humilated Frank de Boer’s Ajax to a 5-1 thumping to clinch their first ever major trophy in Dutch football. However, the result proved to be not the only fireworks of the afternoon.

The final at the De Kuip had to be temporarily stopped due to the troublesome minority of Ajax fans that threw explosives onto the pitch.

Play was suspended after the opening seconds when Zwolle’s first attack into the Ajax’s penalty area was greeted with the raining down of smoke bombs thrown by the Ajax supporters. Rotterdam police stated 19 fans were arrested prior the kick-off for bad behaviour and carrying fireworks and other explosives.

The fireworks damaged the pitch and burnt advertising boards twice delay the play despite their own players and coaches protesting to the supporters. Match officials sent the players back to the dressing room with Ajax legend Edwin van der Sar marching on the pitch with a microphone and pleaded with fans. “Do not throw fireworks on the pitch, it’s dangerous,” Van der Sar said. “If it happens again, the match is abandoned.”

Just after play was re-started Ricardo van Rhijn gave the Amsterdammers the lead after just three minutes with a rocket of his own. Zwolle failed to fully clear a corner and the ball fell perfectly to the full-back to smash home a first time shot from 35 yards into the net off the underside of the cross bar.

After the goal, the chaos resumed and the play was once again halted by the unruly Ajax fireworks being thrown onto the pitch. The game was not restarted for almost thirty minutes later when Zwolle showed real character to recover from Ajax’s early opener to win their first ever piece of silverware.

Minutes after restarting the game young New Zealand international Ryan Thomas turned Van Rhijn in the area and forced an effort towards goal. The Kiwi’s shot took a wicked deflection past Kenneth Vermeer in the Ajax goal to level the game up on eight minutes.

The 19 year old winger was in a dream world just four minutes later as he notched a second to take his side into the lead. Thomas smashed home on the rebound giving Vermeer no chance after a Maikel van der Werff free-kick cannoned back of the post. The disgraced Ajax fans behind the goal failed to celebrate the quick fire double by the overwhelming underdogs with such a great blaze as Van Rhijn’s goal.

Guyon Fernandez, on-loan from the host club Feyenoord, then broke the Ajax offside trap to race through on goal after 22 minutes to add a third with ease.

On 34 minutes, perhaps the Ajax fans had wished they have preserved some fireworks to get the game halted as Zwolle created more fireworks on the pitch and killed the tie off and make it 4-1. Zwolle captain Bram van Polen whipped in a cross that was met by the head of Fernandez for the fourth. The striker rose above Niclas Moisander to head past Vermeer and the Zwolle supporters were starting to realise the dream was a reality.

The soon-to-be Eredivisie champions have been playing poorly for months but grinding out results to keep their status atop of the division. Sunday proved that they were totally outclassed by a side sitting mid-table in that same league and Zwolle fully deserved their fifth and final goal five minutes after the half-time break.

Van Polen got himself on the scoresheet to hammer the final nail into Ajax’s coffin firing home from a corner. Zwolle and manager Ron Jans were awarded the trophy and took home the spoils as Ajax were sent out of Rotterdam with their tails firmly in-between their legs.

TEAMS

ZWOLLE: Boer, Van Polen, Van der Werff, Broerse (Lachman 71), Van Hintum, Mokotjo, Klich, Saymak (Narsingh 64), Drost, Thomas (Gravenbeek 83), Fernandez

SUBS NOT USED: Begois, Karagounis, Nijland, Benson.

GOALS: Thomas 8 & 12, Fernandez 22 & 34, Van Polen 50.

BOOKINGS: Van Polen 24.

AJAX: Vermeer, Van Rhijn, Boilesen, Moisander (Poulsen 54), Denswil, Blind, Schöne (Kishna 80), Klaassen, Serero, Bojan (De Sa 54), Sigthórsson.

SUBS NOT USED: Cillessen, Van der Hoorn, Ligeon, Duarte.

GOALS: Van Rhijn 3.

BOOKINGS: Blind 24.

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TotalDutchFootball.com WorldFootballWeekly.com

BETTING TIPS, KNVB BEKER PREVIEW, KNVB CUP

KNVB BEKER FINAL Preview & Betting Tip

April 20, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Sunday 20th April

PEC ZWOLLE vs. AJAX (17:00 BST)

Ron Jans and Frank de Boer lead their teams out at De Kuip later this afternoon competing for the first trophy of the Dutch football season. Winning the KNVB Beker gives Ajax a domestic double after virtually wrapping up the Eredivisie championship last weekend. For Zwolle, this could prove to be the day that they lift their first ever cup.

This could be third time lucky for the underdogs, PEC Zwolle, as the Blauwvingers have been runners-up twice in this competition in 1928 and 1977. Ron Jans heads to Rotterdam without Aussie defender Trent Sainsbury due to a knee injury, and goalkeeper Kevin Begois misses out with an ankle problem. Denis Mahmudov is also an absentee with a hamstring strain while Leroy Labelle will face a late fitness test.

Ajax are without striking duo Viktor Fischer and Siem de Jong who have been ruled out for the rest of the season. Ricardo Van Rhijn and Daley Blind were suspended for last weekend’s 3-2 win over ADO Den Haag, but will naturally return to the starting line-up today. Their return will come to the expense of young duo Jairo Riedewald and Kenny Tete. First choice central defender Joël Veltman is suspended and his spot will be filled by Mike van der Hoorn.

This game promises goals as Ajax should assert their dominance, however, in this one-off game Zwolle will be fired up and will strive to battle against the occasion as well as their superior opponents.

Obviously, Ajax hold a superior record in meetings against today’s opponents. The Amsterdammers are unbeaten in the last eight prior encounters winning seven and drawn one. That draw came in February in their most recent meeting and on that occasion, Zwolle striker Guyon Fernandez netted a late first-half goal which cancelled out Davy Klaassen’s opener to ensure the home side took a share of the spoils.

Nevertheless, despite the draw, Ajax will be the definite favourites for today’s final and should claim their 19th KNVB Beker crown.

For our best bet, Bet Victor offers 19/10 for Ajax to win with both teams scoring. This game will be open and produce many chances and with Veltman missing through injury, Zwolle will have plenty of opportunities to grabs goals.

BEST BET: Ajax to win with Both Teams to Score (19/10 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

Week 32 Eredivisie Weekend Wrap-up: Ajax virtually crowned

April 14, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

League leaders Ajax defeated ADO Den Haag 3-2 to move within one point of clinching the Eredivisie title. Feyenoord are the only side that can mathematically catch the Amsterdammers, however it looks high unlikely as the Rotterdam side will have to hope the defending champions lose their last two games and that they can make up a nine-goal deficit on the way.

Saturday 12th April 2014

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Roda JC will finish in the bottom three after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at FC Twente left them eight points adrift of safety with two games to go. The rock-bottom Roda will either be automatically relegated or have to compete for this Eredivisie survival in the relegation play-off. Young Norwegian striker Torgeir Børven scored twice in the opening 26 minutes to virtually cement all three points to Michel Jansen’s side, as former Arsenal youth player Kyle Ebecilio made sure in the second-half.

Seven goals were exchanged in a topsy-turvy contest as SC Cambuur defeated Vitesse 4-3 to ruin Peter Bosz’s men’s chances of an automatic Europa League spot. Full-back Kelvin Leerdam struck first for Vitesse before scoring past his own goalkeeper following Martijn Barto’s equaliser. Although, it was level at half-time as Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu restored parity. Chelsea team-mate Bertrand Traoré put the visitors back in front 11 minutes into the second half but Bartholomew Ogbeche and Barto scored within five minutes of one another to send the Cambuurstadion into raptures.

Go Ahead Eagles need one more point to mathematically secure their Eredivisie status as lost 2-0 to Heerenveen at De Adelaarshorst. Impressive young left-back Joost van Aken nodded Marco van Basten’s side in front in only his second full start for the club. On 76 minutes, Alfred Finnbogason scored Heerenveen’s second after some good work from Bilal Basacikoglu on the right-wing. The goal was the Icelander’s 27th of the Eredivisie campaign.

Sunday 13th April 2014

Frank de Boer’s Ajax defeated Henk Fraser’s ADO Den Haag in a five goal thriller, however, Feyenoord’s 2-0 victory over PSV ensured that Koeman’s men remain six points behind in second place with two rounds of games remaining. If Ajax can clinch at least a point away to Heracles Almelo in a fortnight, they will clinch their fourth successive Eredivisie championship.

Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen gave the league leaders the lead on 35 minutes, although within a minute ADO drew level via Stefano Denswil scoring in his own net to send the sides in at half-time all square.

Second-half goals from Davy Klaassen and Thulani Serero put Ajax 3-1 up with central defender Tom Beugelsdijk scoring a last-minute goal to cut the deficit for ADO. However, it was too late to make an impact when referee Richard Liesveld blew for full-time just moments later

Along with their slim title hopes, Feyenoord maintain their second place with the consolation prize of Champions League qualification well within their grasps. Goals from defensive duo Joris Mathijsen and Daryl Janmaat gave them the win over PSV Eindhoven, who have now suffered three consecutive defeats since Philip Cocu was called out of action after a back operation.

NEC Nijmegen are set to compete relegation play-off in a month’s time although they held AZ Alkmaar to an impressive 1-1 draw that leaves them five points from safety. Dick Advocaat’s side took a second half lead through Nemanja Gudelj’s penalty on 55 minutes but NEC midfielder Kevin Conboy netted three minutes from time to secure a valuable point.

Fellow relegation contenders RKC Waalwijk played out a 1-1 draw with PEC Zwolle and now are three points off safety. RKC striker Daniel De Ridder scored just before the hour mark, but his goal was cancelled out by PEC’s Mateusz Klich just nine minutes later.

FC Utrecht will play Eredivisie football next season after they eased their relegation worries thanks to first-half goals from Jacob Mulenga and Juan Agudelo that earned Jan Wouters’ side a 2-1 victory over Heracles. The visitors saw Mikhail Rosheuvel hit back on 64 minutes and defender Bart Schenkeveld was dismissed with five minutes remaining to halt any ideas of a draw for the Almelo side.

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BETTING TIPS, EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE PREVIEW

EREDIVISIE WEEK 32 – Sunday’s Preview & Betting Tips

April 12, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

Will Burns returns with his selections for Sunday’s games and like all his tips, you will not see a ‘best bet’ under evens – good luck!

Sunday 13th April

AZ ALKMAAR vs. NEC NIJMEGEN (13:30 BST)

NEC Nijmegen are in dire need of points to survive but they face AZ Alkmaar that have won all but one game at home in 2014.

AZ are undefeated at the AFAS Stadion in the Eredivisie this year and I feel AZ will be too strong for Nijmegen who look to cement their Europa League playoff place this weekend. NEC are well capable of goals and have scored in every game this season apart from four and that’s in all competitions.

Dick Advocaat’s men have been winning at both half time and full time in five of their last six home matches in the league but after a gruelling game in Benfica this past Thursday, they may show tiredness. The fight for NEC to stay out of that bottom spot that Roda holds may just push them to give AZ a real test and an even game. Bet Victor have the draw priced at 3/1 and I see that as a great price to start the day.

BEST BET: Draw (3/1 – Bet Victor)

RKC WAALWIJK vs. PEC ZWOLLE (13:30 BST)

Ron Jans is without a host of players through injury when his PEC Zwolle side travel to Waalwijk on Sunday afternoon. Goalkeeper Kevin Begois, defenders Trent Sainsbury and Leroy Labylle, midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo and forward Densi Mahmudov are all out.

Zwolle will have one eye on next weekend’s KNVB Beker final in Rotterdam against Ajax and this may be a blessing to Erwin Koeman and RKC Waalwijk who are desperate for points to try and remove themselves out of relegation trouble.

An RKC win will take them one point to safety breathing down NAC Breda’s neck in 15th. Bet Victor value the Waalwijk win at 21/20 and I see that being our best chance of profit in this match.

BEST BET: RKC to win (21/20 – Bet Victor)

FC UTRECHT vs. HERACLES (13:30 BST)

With just one point separating them Heracles in 13th travel to 14th placed Utrecht. With just three games left in the league season, both sides know that there is a possibility of being sucked into the relegation battle.

Jan Wouters’ Utrecht have only won twice in the 14 games played in 2014 so far and I can see them failing again, however, sometimes Heracles can let themselves down. Two weeks ago, they startled Feyenoord taking the lead but two defensive lapses saw them lose 2-1.

For our best bet, Heracles Draw No Bet is valued at 11/8 by Bet Victor so if the match is drawn, your money is returned.

BEST BET: Heracles Draw No Bet (11/8 – Bet Victor)

AJAX vs. ADO DEN HAAG (15:30 BST)

Ajax could claim their fourth Eredivisie championship in a row this Sunday if Feyenoord drop points and they can defeat an ADO Den Haag side, that are undefeated since head coach Henk Fraser took over in February.

The great form has earned Fraser a contract until the summer of 2016 managing ADO to four wins and five draws. Fraser faces a tough task against soon-to-be champions Ajax, however, Frank de Boer is missing some key players. Daley Blind and Ricardo van Rhijn miss out due to suspension so Danish veteran Christian Poulsen will sit in the midfield, as young full-back Ruben Ligeon will take Van Rhijn’s place in defence.

Ajax should be too strong for ADO but with the Amsterdammers valued at 1/5 with some betting outlets, I see no value in that market. I look to goals and a trend I have noticed is Under 2.5 Goals with these two sides. For ADO, in their last four away league matches, there have been under 2.5 goals scored and four of Ajax last six matches have all ended with just two goals scored. Once again, Bet Victor offers the best odds with 85/40 being values for Under 2.5 Goals.

BEST BET: Under 2.5 Goals (85/40 – Bet Victor)

PSV EINDHOVEN vs. FEYENOORD (15:30 BST)

PSV in fifth host second placed Feyenoord in the game of the weekend in a game that the PSV must win if they hope for Champions League football next season.

However, Ronald Koeman’s Feyenoord are looking unstoppable at the moment, winning their last five games in a row and are now sit four points ahead of Twente in third. With just three games to go, they know it is their spot to lose.

Italian striker Graziano Pellè made his comeback from suspension last weekend, scoring twice in a win over RKC and he will be a real threat to PSV’s back four. PSV captain Georginio Wijnaldum made his comeback from a back injury last Saturday in the 3-0 thumping off Heerenveen, he however, could start from the off against his former club.

Both sides have goals in them but I can see Feyenoord edging this one with the greater firepower, especially Pellè. Feyenoord to win and both teams to score is valued at 18/5 by Bet Victor and this could be a big winner to finish the weekend.

BEST BET: Feyenoord to win with Both Teams to Score (18/5 – Bet Victor)

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EREDIVISIE, EREDIVISIE REPORT

Week 31 Eredivisie Weekend Wrap-up: Ajax leave champagne on ice

April 6, 2014 Will Burns Leave a comment

League leaders Ajax are yet to clinch the Eredivisie title as they were held 1-1 by Vitesse at the Gelredome on Sunday. Elsewhere, Feyenoord maintained second place and Twente in third as PSV were defeated 3-0 by Heerenveen on Saturday night.

Saturday 5th April 2014

PSV, minus head coach Philip Cocu, fell to heavy 3-0 defeat on Saturday evening to Marco van Basten’s Heerenveen. Ernest Faber, deputising for Cocu, has now lead the Eindhoven side to two defeats in two and their aspirations of Champions League football next season have been dashed. Balil Basacikoglu netted on the half-hour mark but second half goals from Rajiv van la Parra and Alfred Finnbogason has now stuck PSV down into fifth place but are five points ahead of Heerenveen who sit a place behind them.

Twente stay in third after winning 2-0 away to NAC Breda thanks to goals from Felipe Gutiérrez and Dušan Tadić. Dropping down to fifteenth in the standings, Breda are now only four points away from the drop zone.

Go Ahead Eagles steered themselves out of relegation trouble with a 2-1 away win at Heracles. Mikhail Rosheuvel, a threat throughout and put the hosts into a first-half lead but the Eagles turned the game on its head after the interval. Midfielders Deniz Türüç and Erik Falkenburg scored the goals to move Go Ahead up to 11th place even though Jarchinio Antonia was dismissed two minutes before time.

NEC Nijmegen stay second bottom and six points from safety after being held 1-1 by manager-less SC Cambuur in a game that saw three sending-offs in four minutes. Geoffrey Castillion gave NEC the lead but Mart Dijkstra equalised just after half-time. NEC captain was sent off six minutes from time and the sides were evened up when Marcel Ritzmaier was given his second yellow minutes later. However, the relegation strugglers were reduced to nine with just two minutes remaining when Rens van Eijden received his second booking.

Sunday 6th April 2014

Frank de Boer’s Ajax came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Vitesse, however, being six points clear of Feyenoord in second, remained on track to win their fourth consecutive Eredivisie championship. The Amsterdammers fell mid-way through the first-half when Chelsea loanee Bertrand Traoré netted. Icelandic international forward Kolbeinn Sigthórsson equalized two minutes after the break to earn his side the point.

Sunday also saw the return of Italian striker Graziano Pelle to the Feyenoord side after a four-game suspension and he notched both goals in his side’s 2-0 with over RKC Waalwijk. Ronald Koeman’s men travel to PSV next weekend but look most likely to claim the second Champions League spot.

ADO Den Haag are still undefeated under Henk Fraser after smashing ten-men FC Utrecht by four goals to one. Ronald Alberg and Mike van Duinen sent Utrecht in at half-time two goals down, and Mitchell Schet and Michiel Kramer added to the tally in the second half. Utrecht saw striker Steve de Ridder dismissed after just 24 minutes for two bookings and Jens Toornstra grabbed a last minute consolation goal.

In the final game of the weekend, basement boys Roda JC held AZ Alkmaar to a 2-2 draw that yet another red card. Berry Powel put Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men ahead but AZ midfielder Markus Henriksen equalised before half-time. American striker Aron Johansson notched before the hour mark to give the visitors the lead but Guus Hupperts snatched the leveller twenty minutes from time. With just below ten minutes remaining, Guy Ramos saw red for his second bookable offence. Roda look doomed and are eight points away from safety, results next weekend could see them confirmed to the relegation play off places.

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