René van der Gijp criticizes Berghuis for costly miss in Ajax–PSV clash
René van der Gijp could hardly believe what he had seen. On Vandaag Inside, the former international let his frustration pour out over Steven Berghuis’ glaring miss in Ajax’s top-of-the-table showdown with PSV.
With the score locked at 1-1 in the 30th minute, Berghuis found himself in a perfect position to put Ajax in front. The forward, famed for his left foot, dragged his effort wide from close range. For Van der Gijp, that was exactly the kind of moment where experience and quality should have spoken.
“What disappointed me so much. That can happen, I know. Anything can happen. That Berghuis didn't put that ball away. That disappoints me. With such a good strike with his left foot,” he said, still stunned that the winger had passed up such a chance.
Van der Gijp pushed the point even harder, underlining how routine he felt the finish should have been for a player of Berghuis’ calibre.
“I think if he takes 20 penalties, he scores all 20. And this one you put wide, man. Come on, man!” the analyst snapped, his irritation aimed squarely at the Ajax attacker’s wastefulness.
The miss turned out to be more than just a talking point. It shaped the evening. Ajax never recovered their grip on the game, and PSV grew stronger as the match wore on. The visitors eventually pulled clear, sealing a 1-3 win in Amsterdam, their victory capped by a wonderful strike from recent signing Lutsharel Geertruida.
Driessen targets Míchel’s choices
While Van der Gijp zoomed in on Berghuis, Valentijn Driessen took aim at the dugout. The De Telegraaf football editor was scathing about coach Míchel’s decisions, especially his handling of the forward line.
According to Driessen, taking Tolu Arokodare off after just an hour made little sense, given the striker’s performance. He was even more baffled that Abdellah Ouazane, in his eyes the standout player in the squad, did not start such a crucial match.
“The very best player he has, Ouazane, wasn't in the team. And he forms a very good partnership with that Brandt. And he takes Tolu off, even though he was playing quite well. And then Míchel has a stroke of genius with two strikers who haven't touched a ball all year,” Driessen said, pointedly referencing substitutes Kasper Dolberg and Marcos Leonardo.
The criticism didn’t stop there. Driessen also highlighted the defensive set-up on Ajax’s right side as another major misstep from the coach.
“And then Gaaei, who can't defend, plays at right-back against Van Bommel. And then he has another defender on the bench. What are you supposed to do with these kinds of coaches?” he asked, leaving no doubt about his view of Míchel’s tactical plan.
One missed chance. One defeated Ajax. And a coaching staff now firmly under the microscope.
