When the international teams play, it’s usually quiet at De Toekomst. Not only because the competitions are put to a full standstill in Holland, but also because most players leave the club to join their respective national teams. The players that remain have daily practices in small groups, working on their fitness and abilities.
This saturday, a few friendlies were hosted for the “remainers”. First up was a mixture of U19 and U18 players, playing against a combination side of FC Groningen, which ended in a 2-1 victory. On the other side of the complex, the U16’s managed to beat their peers from AZ with 4-1. Away in Venlo, the U15’s recorded a 1-2 win against the local side’s youngsters.
On monday, Deyovasio Zeefuik (Jong Ajax), Matthijs de Ligt (captain; Jong Ajax), Dani de Wit (Ajax U19’s), Kaj Sierhuis (Ajax U19’s) and Justin Kluivert (Jong Ajax) all started against Georgia with the Dutch U19 side. Maarten Stekelenburg’s boys eventually recorded a 0-1 away win, thanks to a late goals by Jelle Duin.
Elsewhere, the Dutch U18 side played Germany with Navajo Bakboord (Ajax U19’s), Boy Kemper (Ajax U19’s) and Ché Nunnely (Ajax U19’s) starting. After an exciting match, Oranje eventually lost 1-2.
Last but not least, the U20’s faced off against France with Mauro Savastano (Jong Ajax) starting. Léon Bergsma (Jong Ajax) did not feature, as the U20’s drew 1-1 against the reigning European Champions.
Jaïro Riedewald (Ajax 1), Riechedly Bazoer (Ajax 1), Terry Lartey-Sanniez (Jong Ajax) and on-loan Richairo Zivkovic all made their minutes with the Dutch U21’s on Tuesday night, with Zivkovic scoring an important penalty kick to draw the game 1-1 against Portugal.