Inpassen Berghuis: Ajax Tactische Opties
Steven Berghuis' arrival at Ajax has ignited a wave of excitement, but it also presents a fascinating tactical conundrum for manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutch maestro, renowned for his versatility and attacking prowess, brings a unique skill set to the already formidable Amsterdam side. However, seamlessly integrating him into ten Hag's intricate system requires careful consideration of available tactical options.
Adapting to Berghuis' Strengths:
Berghuis' versatility is a double-edged sword. He can operate effectively as a central attacking midfielder, a winger, or even a second striker, offering ten Hag flexibility in his formations. His dribbling prowess, passing range, and eye for goal make him a potent threat in the final third.
One obvious avenue is to deploy him as a central attacking midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation. This would allow him to dictate the tempo of the game, orchestrate attacks, and link up with the likes of Antony and Dusan Tadic. However, this would require ten Hag to find a suitable partner for him in midfield, given the importance of defensive solidity in his system.
Alternatively, Berghuis could be utilized as a winger in a 4-2-3-1 formation. This would allow him to exploit his pace and dribbling ability to stretch defenses, creating space for the likes of Sébastien Haller to operate centrally. However, it's crucial to assess whether his defensive responsibilities in this role would suit his strengths.
The Challenge of Balance:
While Berghuis offers a wealth of attacking potential, his integration demands careful consideration of the existing squad's strengths and weaknesses. The key for ten Hag is to strike a balance between maximizing Berghuis' individual attributes and maintaining the tactical principles that have made Ajax so successful.
One potential area of concern is the midfield. While Berghuis can contribute defensively, he is primarily an attacking player. This means ten Hag needs to ensure he has reliable defensive cover in the middle of the park, especially against teams with a strong counter-attacking threat.
Another aspect to consider is the potential impact on existing players. With Antony, Tadic, and Haller already established in the attack, ten Hag needs to find a way to incorporate Berghuis without disrupting the existing chemistry and flow of the team.
Strategic Considerations:
To fully leverage Berghuis' potential, ten Hag may need to adjust his tactical approach. One possibility is to adopt a more fluid and dynamic system, allowing Berghuis to roam freely across the attacking line, creating chaos and unpredictability for the opposition. This could involve implementing a more positional-based approach where players are encouraged to occupy specific zones based on the situation, rather than rigidly adhering to fixed positions.
Another interesting possibility is to experiment with different formations, potentially incorporating a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 diamond to best suit Berghuis' skill set. These variations could offer greater attacking flexibility while still maintaining a degree of defensive solidity.
The Verdict:
Incorporating Berghuis into the Ajax squad is a fascinating puzzle for ten Hag. His arrival presents both opportunities and challenges. The key to success lies in finding the right tactical balance – one that maximizes Berghuis' individual qualities while maintaining the team's overall strengths.
The 2021-2022 season promises to be an exciting one for Ajax. With Berghuis' arrival, the potential for even greater attacking dynamism and offensive potency is undeniable. How ten Hag navigates this tactical conundrum will undoubtedly be a key storyline to watch.