1. Main Players Comparison
Ajax
- Core Players: Jorrel Hato (30 apps, 2A, 6G – but now left), Kenneth Taylor (29 apps, 9A, 6G), Josip Sutalo (28 apps, 2A, solid defensive base).
- Midfield & Attack: Davy Klaassen (8A, 2G), Bertrand Traoré (6A, 5G), Mika Godts (4G, 2A), Brian Brobbey (4G, 3A), Steven Berghuis (7G+ A combined in 1432 mins).
- Output: ~32 goals, ~31 assists across their main offensive contributors.
- Stability: Heavy creative reliance on Taylor & Klaassen; Hato’s departure reduces defensive solidity.
Heracles
- Core Players: Fabian de Keijzer (GK, 34 apps, consistent), Damon Mirani (34 apps, 2A), Ivan Mesík (33 apps).
- Midfield & Attack: Brian De Keersmaecker (5A, 3G – left), Suf Podgoreanu (6G combined – left), Mario Engels (4G, 4A), Jizz Hornkamp (8G, 2A), Luka Kulenovic (9G, 2A).
- Output: ~27 goals, ~16 assists from main attackers.
- Stability: Attack is split between Hornkamp and Kulenovic, but departures (Podgoreanu, De Keersmaecker, Talvitie) weaken balance.
Verdict: Ajax has more creativity and spread scoring, though defensive leadership weakened with Hato gone. Heracles relies on forwards, with midfield depth impacted by exits.
2. New Players Comparison
Ajax
- Additions: Raúl Moro (4G, 5A), Ko Itakura (31 apps, defensive stability), Wout Weghorst (10G, 2A in limited mins), Oscar Gloukh (attacking mid, new creative spark).
- Output: ~14 goals, ~7 assists already from newcomers.
- Impact: Weghorst brings a proven scoring edge, Itakura strengthens defense.
Heracles
- Additions: Ajdin Hrustić (midfield presence), Jeff Reine-Adélaïde (versatile creator), Daniël van Kaam (control, 3A), Bryan Limbombe (rotation winger).
- Output: ~4 goals, ~6 assists across new faces.
- Impact: Midfield creativity and energy added, but none match Ajax’s direct attacking impact.
Verdict: Ajax’s new signings (especially Weghorst + Moro) have transformed their attack, while Heracles brought in mostly stabilizers without big output.
3. Substitutes Comparison
Ajax
- Impact Players: Chuba Akpom (3G, 1A in 833 mins), Oliver Edvardsen (4G), Branco van den Boomen (629 mins, playmaking), Devyne Rensch (1114 mins, defensive cover).
- Totals: ~8 goals, ~2 assists.
- Depth: Bench provides rotation scoring options but less creative spark beyond Akpom.
Heracles
- Impact Players: Thomas Bruns (3G, 2A in 1160 mins), Shiloh ’t Zand (1G), Ruben Roosken (1G, 2A), Jan Zamburek (1A).
- Totals: ~5 goals, ~5 assists.
- Depth: Decent depth but lower goal threat compared to Ajax.
Verdict: Ajax’s substitutes carry stronger offensive punch, Heracles’ bench more balanced but not decisive.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | Ajax | Heracles |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (32G, 31A spread across attack) | ⭐⭐⭐ (27G, 16A, reliant on Hornkamp/Kulenovic) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Weghorst + Moro boosted attack) | ⭐⭐ (few goals, midfield reinforcements) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐ (Akpom/Edvardsen scoring) | ⭐⭐ (Bruns, Roosken some impact) |
Overall Depth | Strong front line & new signings | Mid-table quality, weakened by exits |
Key Weakness | Lost Hato – defensive leadership gap | Departures of Podgoreanu, De Keersmaecker hurt creativity |
5. Predicted Outcome
- Momentum & Depth: Ajax stronger in all attacking phases, Heracles struggling with lost creators.
- Attacking Balance: Ajax spreads goals across Brobbey, Weghorst, Taylor, and Traoré. Heracles depends on Hornkamp + Kulenovic.
- Defensive Solidity: Ajax less stable post-Hato, but Itakura + Sutalo shore things up. Heracles’ backline has limited attacking support.
Likely Result: Ajax’s depth and new signings give them clear edge. Heracles can challenge physically but lacks enough creative output.
Expected Scoreline:
- Ajax 3 – 1 Heracles
