Former Ajax player wins over the hearts of Italian fans: 'Already a top signing!'

Danilho Doekhi impressed for Lazio on Monday evening. The former Ajax player played a key role in the 1-2 win over Udinese and drew plenty of praise from Italian supporters afterwards, with fans on X describing him as "a wall" among other things. "Already a top signing," was the verdict.

Doekhi joined Lazio on a free transfer from Union Berlin last summer and has quickly caught the eye in Rome. The 28-year-old centre-back earned widespread praise after his display in Udine: "Another excellent match from Doekhi," one supporter wrote.

His defending also made a big impression. "Am I mistaken, or is this Doekhi quite a strong man-marker? Good positional sense, strong at reading defensive situations and plenty of physical ability," read one reaction, while another fan also picked out another former Ajax player: "Perfect Doekhi, Kenneth Taylor Prime."

Doekhi did more than just defend against Udinese. Ten minutes from time, Kenneth Taylor found him on the left and the centre-back whipped in an excellent cross for former AZ player Albert Gudmundsson to head home the decisive 1-2. One supporter could not resist a dig at right-back Manuel Lazzari: "Doekhi delivers better crosses than Lazzari."

Before that, Lazio had struggled for long spells in Udine. Shortly after half-time, Udinese went ahead when Jesper Karlström fired the ball through the goalkeeper's legs and into the net. Davide Frattesi then brought Gennaro Gattuso's side level again after an attack in which Taylor also played an important role.

Taylor collected the ball from substitute Tijjani Noslin and sent Mattia Zaccagni clear, with his cross allowing Frattesi to make it 1-1. The former Ajax player was also central to the winner, finding Doekhi in space before his cross reached Gudmundsson.

Taylor is also making more and more of an impression on the Italian fanbase. "Kenneth Taylor is a super player," one fan wrote, while another supporter spoke of "infinite intensity and quality". Yet another felt Taylor "took control of the midfield" and won plenty of balls.

Those displays from the two Dutchmen have helped drive Lazio's perfect start in Serie A. The Romans have nine points from three matches and sit third, while city rivals AS Roma and defending champions Inter have also yet to drop any points.