Ajax fans lose patience with two of their own players: 'This really can't go on any longer, get rid of them!'
Youri Regeer certainly did not make himself popular with a large section of the Ajax support in the opening 20 minutes of Ajax v FC Sion. The midfielder twice gave the ball away in a completely unnecessary and dangerous manner in midfield, then also lost the decisive duel for Winsley Boteli's equaliser for 1-1.
For that equaliser, Regeer allowed his direct opponent to get in front of him, after which Boteli turned a deflected cross past Marc-André ter Stegen. It immediately sparked a wave of criticism, especially as Regeer lost possession again shortly afterwards and then indicated that he was not feeling entirely well.
By the 22nd minute, Regeer's match was already over, with Jorthy Mokio replacing him.
Plenty of Ajax supporters feel Regeer falls short in the number six position. "Hint number 524 that a new number six is needed," someone writes on Ajax Showtime, after which someone adds: "As long as this is our midfield, we will keep running into problems. A good and balanced midfield is the engine of your team."
His defending for the equaliser is also coming in for heavy criticism. "Regeer is once again nicely standing behind his man," someone writes sarcastically, while another goes into more detail: "That cross being allowed to come in unchallenged is absurd, and what Regeer does after that is a parody of defending." Some reactions go even further. "Hope to never see you again. My God," one person writes, while another concludes: "Regeer really can't do it any more."
After Regeer's departure, Steven Berghuis then comes in for the full blast. Many fans feel the right winger is making no impact at all, with his repeated loss of possession and lack of threat causing particular irritation. "Berghuis seamlessly takes over the role of ball-loser from Regeer," someone writes tellingly.
That criticism of the veteran only grew more intense afterwards. "Berghuis, the weak link, yet again," says one fan, while another Ajax supporter judges: "Berghuis is really past his peak. He has become so weak." Also heard is: "Berghuis doesn't have the legs for it, very poor again."
