Heitinga immediately added that Aaron Bouwman is unlikely to feature in Deventer. “Aaron is not fully fit; the chances are slim that he will make it on Sunday.”
When asked, Heitinga also provided an update on the fitness of three other Ajax players. “Youri Baas will be there on Sunday. Josip Šutalo is back on the pitch, but is doubtful. Brian Brobbey will not make it.”
Hangover
Heitinga won the season opener against Telstar (2-0) with Ajax, but was not satisfied with his team’s performance. “If your goalkeeper is one of the best players, that says enough,” Heitinga said about Vitezslav Jaros’s display. “Speaking for myself, I had a bit of a hangover the day after. Of course, the most important thing is that we won, but I would have preferred a different kind of match.”
This Sunday, Ajax will visit De Adelaarshorst. Heitinga expects a tough match against cup winners Go Ahead Eagles. “A team that was difficult to beat last season. They are well organised as a unit, good in possession, and also dangerous going forward. The goal against PSV was preceded by many positional changes. We will have to prepare ourselves for that.”
Earlier in the day, Go Ahead Eagles manager Melvin Boel said that Ajax are still searching for their rhythm. When confronted with that remark, Heitinga admitted he agreed. “We are still searching, you can see that. In the line-up, but also in the way we play. But don’t forget, we have only been working for five or six weeks.”
Ideal eleven
Slowly but surely, Ajax’s squad is starting to take shape. “Up front we have a lot of variety and different options. The fact is that there is strong competition between all the players. The same goes for the midfield, although we also have many players who play in the same position. That’s why it’s still a bit of a puzzle to find the ideal eleven.”
However, Heitinga still has one specific wish. “I would like to have another defensive midfielder,” said the Alphen-born coach, before being asked about Edson Álvarez. The former Ajax player has been linked with a return in the rumour mill. “A type like Edson is of course always welcome, but I don’t know if it’s feasible.”
