Dordrecht – Jong Ajax

Netherlands – Eerste divisie, day 11.

Friday 20/10/23, h20:00 

No more than three years ago, Dordrecht were at the very bottom of Eerste divisie and in the middle of a severe corporate crisis. Now they are fighting for playoffs, with just a single loss in the first 9 games of the season: a technical rebirth marked by the coaching know-how of mister Santoni, at the helm since 2021. It is not just a matter of raw numbers (14 points, +4 in terms of goals difference): Dordrecht are impressing the league with a sparkling, courageous football led by the offensive quality of Suray, Sebaoui and Kriwak (10 goals in total). And the outstanding victories over opponents just relegated from Eredivisie (2-4 at Emmen's, 5-2 versus Cambuur) stands already in the records of the club.

5 points in the last three home games (enriched by a solid 3-0 against Venlo) and Jong Ajax have finally moved on. The next step is to be competitive on the road, where coach Vos' squad has always lost and conceded over 3 goals per match. The propensity of Ajax academy is always to play strong football, rather than retreating onto defense. Their overall trend is improving, however some tactical adjustments are still needed in order to be competitive in this championship. The second-last place cannot be satisfactory, especially considering the quality of some players: above all, once more, Gabriel Misehouy (5 goals and 2 assists).

Last year Jong Ajax won both of their games against Dordrecht (8-4 overall), but today the odds are steadily reversing in favor of the home team. Either way, be ready to a reckless game, with many opportunities to score and abrupt transitions. The most recent 7 matches between Dordrecht and Jong Ajax registered at least 3 goals in the score table: no reason to believe in a different outcome.