The Super Eagles hopeful had a slow start to life in the Netherlands and was far from his best over the weekend
Former Aston Villa and Feyenoord star Karim El Ahmady has expressed his disappointment with Ajax Amsterdam’s performance against FC Twente on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Amsterdam Giants, in which Chuba Akpom made his full debut, lost 3-1 against Flors Feste.
Former Moroccan international El Ahmadi criticized several Ajax signings, including Akpom.
He said on ESPN: “To be honest, with some players, I really feel it’s also due to (lack of) quality.”
He specifically mentioned Akpom’s performance, saying:
“I don’t think Akpom knows the Ajax game at all and doesn’t know how to play between the lines.” I saw him looking for the number 10 position: what does he do? I don’t think I knew what to do
However, Ajax coach Maurice Stein defended Akpom and explained his tactical decisions.
Stein used Akpom as a right winger, but the player preferred the number 10 position. However, the coach has already reserved this role for Dutch midfielder Steven Berghaus.
Stein revealed: “I trained for this this week. I’m still considering the right flank because I want Berghuis to be number 10 to bring football to the team. As soon as he joins the team and takes part in the match, I We started playing soccer.
“So, this is not my argument. I expected things to be better today because Akpom had to play in a role like a second striker. But he was good enough. I didn’t come there very often.”
Ajax’s next game is Thursday against French club Marseille in the UEFA Europa League. Akpom will continue to rehabilitate and prove his worth to Ajax supporters and fans.
