Ajax under pressure in Deventer – City derby in Rotterdam

Can Taylor recover after nightmare change? ‘Stick to De Ligt’

Kenneth Taylor’s starting debut in Oranje against World Cup finalist France last week was supposed to be a new high point in his fledgling soccer career. It ended in a nightmare. Trailing 3-0 after 33 minutes, the 20-year-old Ajacied was substituted by national coach Ronald Koeman. “Interesting to see how he deals with this now,” said Willem Weijs.

Weijs is his former youth coach at Ajax and is watching the Go Ahead Eagles-Ajax match this afternoon (12:15 p.m.) with extra interest. After all, it is precisely in adversity that the big boys distinguish themselves from the little ones, is his view.

“A footballer can never reach the top if he doesn’t get through moments like these. Players all face adversity sooner or later, so it’s up to them to resist it.”