Fortuna Sittard coach Danny Buijs has recently evaluated the prospects of Alen Halilovic, framing his discussion around the Enigma of whether the Croatian midfielder could thrive at Ajax. During the broadcast of Rondo on Ziggo Sport, Buijs expressed interest, referencing former Dutch star Rafael van der Vaart’s aspirations of seeing Halilovic at the esteemed Amsterdam club. "Is it interesting to see him at Ajax?" Buijs asked, underlining the debates swirling around the talented player.
Halilovic’s recent performance, particularly his emotional reaction leaving the pitch following substitutions, raises intriguing questions about his temperament and adaptability at higher-profile clubs like Ajax. Buijs reflected on the dynamics of the Eredivisie, stating, "Certainly in the Dutch competition, when you play against teams like Fortuna, Heracles, or PEC Zwolle, you often have more possession of the ball. This is a player who needs to be on the ball more than we often can provide." His insights hint at the nuances of Halilovic’s playing style, which thrives under pressure and ball control.
The 28-year-old Halilovic, once heralded as a prodigious talent during his early career stints with Barcelona and AC Milan, now finds himself at his twelfth club, indicating the ebbs and flows of his professional life. At Fortuna, he has recorded 57 appearances, marking seven goals and six assists. Despite the rollercoaster of his club history, Buijs is optimistic. "He works hard to improve himself and show the maximum," he stated, recognizing Halilovic’s determination and work ethic.
Yet, it is not all positive. While Buijs emphasizes Halilovic's talent, he also acknowledges inconsistencies: "He sometimes shows beautiful moments but also has matches where you think: oh boy, what was he doing there?" This duality of Halilovic’s performance could influence perceptions of his fit at Ajax. Can his flashes of brilliance outshine the less favorable game performances? That remains to be seen.
Buijs also remarked on the mixed feelings surrounding Van der Vaart’s frequent remarks promoting Halilovic for Ajax. He noted, "Both, maybe," highlighting the excitement and pressure of such expectations. Within the football community, Van der Vaart’s backing serves as both support and a burden. The dialogue generated is tantalizing, captivating fans and analysts alike about potential moves.
Rafael van der Vaart has been vocal about his belief in Halilovic’s capabilities, cementing him as not just another player but as someone who could genuinely enrich the Ajax squad. Observing Ajax matches, Buijs contemplates, "It's interesting to think about how he could fit there," observing how Halilovic might manipulate the game's pace and tempo if placed under Ajax's tactical framework.
Buijs looks to the future with cautious optimism. "I think he can definitely keep up at the level of the top three," he remarked when discussing Halilovic’s prospects at clubs like Ajax. Yet, he noted, its feasibility would rely heavily on Ajax's style of play and team composition. Particularly, he opined, how they perform against European teams would be another pivotal factor.
Halilovic’s creative instincts may find richer expressions at Ajax where ball possession is encouraged and tactical fluidity is prioritized. Previously, he has struggled with retaining visibility at clubs where he didn’t fit neatly within their strategic play. If he can synchronize with Ajax's approaches, it could lead to both his growth and potential accolades.
Regardless of Halilovic’s past, the future remains unwritten. Buijs’ insights offer food for thought about whether this once-upon-a-time footballing prodigy can still realize his potential at the highest levels. With every match at Fortuna Sittard, he inches closer to proving skeptics wrong. Will he achieve the acclaim many once predicted? The shores of Ajax represent not just personal aspirations but also the revival of reputations—a second chance for Halilovic to redefine his career narrative.