Ajax continues to solidify its position at the top of the Eredivisie after a thrilling 1-2 victory against Willem II on April 13, 2025. The return of Wout Weghorst proved pivotal, as he not only assisted in the equalizer but also scored the winning goal, marking his impact since rejoining the team. With this win, Ajax is now just a step away from clinching the championship, leading the league by nine points.
Francesco Farioli, Ajax's coach, expressed his delight in having Weghorst back, highlighting the striker's ability to connect with teammates effectively. “Wout has his own ideas,” Farioli noted, acknowledging Weghorst's focus on winning and his personal goal of becoming a champion with Ajax. The coach's rotation strategy has also drawn praise, as substitutes have accounted for a record 21 of Ajax's 62 goals this season, demonstrating the depth and resilience of the squad.
In the match against Willem II, Ajax found themselves trailing 1-0 before Weghorst's involvement turned the tide. Oliver Edvardsen, who came off the bench, scored the equalizer, setting the stage for Weghorst's decisive goal. Farioli humorously remarked, “You can view it from two sides: am I good at substitutions or bad at making the starting lineup?” This light-hearted comment reflects his confidence in the team's adaptability and the effectiveness of his tactical decisions.
Weghorst's performance has reignited discussions about his starting position for the upcoming matches, especially with the Champions League on the horizon. Wesley Sneijder, speaking on Ziggo Sport's Rondo, emphasized the ongoing debate between Weghorst and Brian Brobbey for the starting striker role. “Brobbey wants to play, but Wout also says: I scored. How will Farioli manage this?” Sneijder questioned, pointing to the competitive spirit within the squad.
Farioli's influence on the team has been significant, with Ajax winning six consecutive away matches, a feat that brings him closer to a club record set by the legendary coach Stefan Kovács in 1973. To match Kovács's achievement of eight consecutive away wins, Ajax must secure victories in their final two away matches against FC Utrecht and FC Groningen.
Ajax's current success can be attributed to a combination of strategic rotations and the emergence of key players like Weghorst. The team has shown remarkable resilience, winning 11 out of 15 away games this season, with their last away loss occurring back in December 2024 against AZ. The team's current form and Farioli's tactical acumen have led many to consider Ajax as the most stable team in the Eredivisie.
As the season progresses, the focus remains on maintaining momentum and securing the championship title. Farioli's ability to manage player dynamics, particularly with the competition for starting positions heating up, will be crucial in the coming weeks. With the potential for a title win on the horizon, Ajax fans are hopeful that their team can continue this impressive run and bring home the championship.
In addition to the title chase, discussions about player transfers and future strategies are also brewing. Farioli and his staff may face interest from clubs like Aston Villa, with reports suggesting they could be acquired for a fee between 8 to 10 million euros. This speculation adds another layer of excitement as Ajax looks to solidify its dominance in Dutch football.
As the Ajax faithful anticipate the final matches of the season, the atmosphere around the club is electric. The combination of experienced players and emerging talents has created a squad that not only aims for domestic success but also seeks to make a mark in European competitions. With Weghorst back in form and the team firing on all cylinders, Ajax appears poised for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
