Michel Sanchez has emphasised Julian Brandt's indispensable value to AFC Ajax following the impressive 5-1 victory over Willem II. The German midfielder was again decisive with a goal and nine chances created in just 67 minutes.
"He is an incredible footballer," Sanchez said. "He thinks incredibly fast and can find solutions very quickly on the pitch. In doing so, he also creates more time for other players." The coach believes it is no coincidence that the players around him are starting to perform better.
The win against Willem II was Ajax's fifth of the season, placing them fifth in the Eredivisie with fourteen points from seven matches. The team has a goal difference of plus twelve, having scored twenty-one and conceded nine. Brandt has contributed personally with four goals in seven league appearances.
The match itself was dominated by the Amsterdam side. Davy Klaassen opened the scoring in the forty-first minute, before Brandt made it 2-0 just before halftime. In the second half, Viktor Tsygankov, Oscar Gloukh and Kasper Dolberg completed the rout. Dolberg also provided two assists but is currently sidelined and unavailable for the next fixture.
This victory followed a draw against Excelsior, in which Brandt also scored. Ajax now has a run of three wins and one draw in their last five league games. The Nijmegen side currently sits eleventh.
The report in full is at roundtable.io
