In Schroder’s Thoughts, AjaxDaily writer Lukas Schroder reviews the last week from the perspective of a somewhat cynical Ajax-fan. New pieces will come out every wednesday.
I know, I know. This week’s subject is a little bit out there. We all know who I’m going to talk about. And for this time only, I won’t try to surprise you with some interesting views and criticisms. No, this week’s Schroder’s Thoughts will be a love-letter to the best Ajax-player of the last five years. There. I said it. Please never leave, Kasper Dolberg.
There’s a big chance I won’t mention anything about him that hasn’t been mentioned this week. But his hattrick against NEC was such a demonstration of class and potential I can’t possibly ignore him any longer. I have to get this of my chest: I freakin’ love Dolberg. His calmth, his composure on the ball, his combination of strength, pace and overall technical abilities. Dolberg isn’t the next big thing. He’s the current big thing.
Usually, I’m all for underhyping footballers. Talking them up too much too early will lead to them developing some sort of Jesus Complex (I refer back to my piece last week, called Jesus Complex), but Dolberg just doesn’t seem a*sed about anything anyone ever says about him. He’s just a little bit autistic and that might be his best quality. This kid won’t let his newfound fame get to his head, and it’s nice to finally have a talented player who seems capable of dealing with compliments and criticism.
So, in this case, I won’t try to cool down the hype. I will participate in it. I will fuel it. Because whatever happens, there’s a very big chance we won’t get a lot of time with this one. He might be gone next summer, or maybe the summer after that. Because if he keeps developing like he has been doing this season, it’s a matter of time until he reaches a level that’s beyond everything we’ve ever seen since Suarez left. And I’m not even exaggerating. I truly feel this way.
That’s why I will end this week’s piece with a piece of advice to everyone who reads this. Record every game Dolberg plays before he leaves. And when he does, watch them. Cherish them. Never delete them. Just sit in front of your TV every once in awhile and look closely. Look at his movement, his strength, his deliberate body-movement to distract defenders. And then, look at his goals. And look at the complete lack of emotion he shows every time he hits the back of the net.
Just never take it for granted.
We’ll miss it one day.
P.S. Remember when we were all pissed when Overmars and De Boer didn’t want to buy a new attacker because they thought Dolberg was good enough in a matter of time and the football hipsters didn’t agree, because Wim Jonk didn’t really like him? Good times. Gotta hand you that one, Frank. (and Marc).
