Union Berlin Vs Ajax: Player Ratings & Analysis

Hey guys, football fanatics! Let's dive deep into the player ratings and analysis from the electrifying Union Berlin vs. Ajax Amsterdam match. This game was a real rollercoaster, and we're here to break down how each player performed, highlighting the stars and those who need to up their game. Get ready for some insightful opinions and maybe a few surprises!

Union Berlin Player Ratings

Union Berlin's squad put up a solid fight, showcasing their tactical discipline and resilience. Their defensive organization was particularly impressive, making life difficult for Ajax's attackers. Let's take a closer look at each player's performance:

Goalkeeper:

• Frederik Rønnow: Rønnow had a busy night, facing a barrage of shots from Ajax. He made several crucial saves, demonstrating his agility and command of the penalty area. His distribution was also commendable, launching quick counter-attacks with accurate throws and kicks. However, there were a couple of moments where his positioning could have been better, leading to some nervy moments for the Union Berlin defense. Overall, a strong performance, earning him a rating of 7.5/10.

Defenders:

• Danilho Doekhi: Doekhi was a rock at the back, winning numerous aerial duels and making vital clearances. His tough tackling and no-nonsense approach frustrated the Ajax forwards, preventing them from gaining a foothold in the game. Doekhi's leadership was also evident, organizing the defense and ensuring everyone maintained their positions. A commanding performance that deserves a rating of 8/10.
• Robin Knoche: Knoche partnered well with Doekhi, providing additional steel to the Union Berlin defense. His reading of the game was exceptional, anticipating Ajax's passes and intercepting them before they reached their intended targets. Knoche also contributed to the attack with his accurate long balls, setting up several promising opportunities. A solid and reliable performance, earning him a rating of 7/10.
• Diogo Leite: Leite showcased his versatility, operating effectively as a left-sided defender. His pace and agility allowed him to track back quickly and prevent Ajax's wingers from causing too much damage. Leite also demonstrated his attacking prowess, making overlapping runs and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. A dynamic performance that deserves a rating of 7/10.

Midfielders:

• Rani Khedira: Khedira anchored the midfield, providing a shield for the defense and dictating the tempo of the game. His composure on the ball and accurate passing allowed Union Berlin to maintain possession and control the flow of the match. Khedira also contributed defensively, making crucial tackles and interceptions. A vital cog in the Union Berlin machine, earning him a rating of 7.5/10.
• Janik Haberer: Haberer added energy and creativity to the Union Berlin midfield. His tireless running and willingness to close down opponents disrupted Ajax's rhythm and forced them into making mistakes. Haberer also demonstrated his attacking threat, making intelligent runs into the box and creating chances for his teammates. A lively performance that deserves a rating of 7/10.
• Aïssa Laïdouni: Laïdouni brought flair and dynamism to the Union Berlin midfield. His skillful dribbling and eye for a pass unlocked the Ajax defense on several occasions. Laïdouni also contributed defensively, tracking back and helping to win back possession. A creative spark in the Union Berlin side, earning him a rating of 7.5/10.

Forwards:

• Sheraldo Becker: Becker led the line with pace and power, causing problems for the Ajax defenders with his direct running and physical presence. He stretched the defense and created space for his teammates. Becker's finishing was also clinical, converting a chance to score a crucial goal. A threatening performance that earns a rating of 8/10.
• Kevin Behrens: Behrens partnered well with Becker, providing a focal point in the attack and holding up the ball effectively. His aerial ability and physical presence made him a handful for the Ajax defenders. Behrens also contributed defensively, winning headers and tracking back to help out his teammates. A solid and hardworking performance, earning him a rating of 7/10.

Substitutes:

• The substitutes who came on late in the game didn't have enough time to make a significant impact. However, they all contributed to helping Union Berlin see out the victory.

Ajax Amsterdam Player Ratings

Ajax Amsterdam, known for their attacking prowess, struggled to break down Union Berlin's stubborn defense. While they had moments of brilliance, their overall performance was below par. Let's dissect their individual contributions:

Goalkeeper:

• Gerónimo Rulli: Rulli had a relatively quiet night, with Union Berlin not creating too many clear-cut chances. However, he was called into action on a few occasions and made some comfortable saves. His distribution was accurate, but he didn't have much opportunity to influence the game. Overall, a solid but unremarkable performance, earning him a rating of 6.5/10.

Defenders:

• Devyne Rensch: Rensch struggled to cope with the pace and power of Union Berlin's attackers. His positioning was often questionable, and he was caught out of position on several occasions. Rensch also struggled to win his aerial duels, allowing Union Berlin to gain the upper hand. A disappointing performance that deserves a rating of 5/10.
• Jurriën Timber: Timber was arguably Ajax's best defender, making several important interceptions and tackles. His reading of the game was excellent, and he anticipated Union Berlin's passes well. However, he was let down by his defensive partners, who didn't provide him with enough support. A commendable performance in a struggling defense, earning him a rating of 7/10.
• Calvin Bassey: Bassey had a difficult night, struggling to contain Union Berlin's attackers. His tackling was often reckless, and he gave away several unnecessary fouls. Bassey also struggled to distribute the ball effectively, often resorting to long balls that were easily intercepted. A disappointing performance that deserves a rating of 5.5/10.

Midfielders:

• Edson Álvarez: Álvarez worked tirelessly in midfield, attempting to break up Union Berlin's attacks and win back possession. His energy and commitment were evident, but he lacked the creativity to unlock the Union Berlin defense. Álvarez also picked up a yellow card for a late challenge. A hardworking but ultimately ineffective performance, earning him a rating of 6/10.
• Kenneth Taylor: Taylor struggled to make an impact on the game, failing to create any clear-cut chances for his teammates. His passing was often inaccurate, and he lost possession on several occasions. Taylor also struggled to track back and help out defensively. A disappointing performance that deserves a rating of 5/10.
• Steven Berghuis: Berghuis showed flashes of brilliance, but he was largely ineffective. His set-piece delivery was dangerous, but he failed to create any clear-cut chances from open play. Berghuis also struggled to cope with the physicality of the Union Berlin midfield. A frustrating performance that deserves a rating of 6/10.

Forwards:

• Steven Bergwijn: Bergwijn was Ajax's main attacking threat, using his pace and skill to cause problems for the Union Berlin defense. He had a few shots on goal, but he couldn't find the back of the net. Bergwijn also created a couple of chances for his teammates, but they failed to convert them. A lively performance, but ultimately lacking in end product, earning a rating of 6.5/10.
• Dušan Tadić: Tadić struggled to influence the game, failing to create any clear-cut chances for himself or his teammates. His passing was uncharacteristically inaccurate, and he lost possession on several occasions. Tadić also struggled to cope with the physicality of the Union Berlin defense. A disappointing performance that deserves a rating of 5/10.

Substitutes:

• Similar to Union Berlin, the Ajax substitutes didn't have sufficient time to have a meaningful impact. Changes were made, but the overall outcome remained the same.

Key Takeaways

• Union Berlin's defensive solidity proved too much for Ajax to handle. Their organized and disciplined approach frustrated the Dutch side, limiting their chances and ultimately securing the victory.
• Ajax's attacking woes were evident throughout the match. They lacked creativity and struggled to break down Union Berlin's stubborn defense. Their key players failed to perform at their best, contributing to their downfall.
• Tactical masterclass: Union Berlin's coach outmaneuvered his Ajax counterpart, implementing a game plan that effectively nullified Ajax's strengths and exploited their weaknesses.

Conclusion

The Union Berlin vs. Ajax match was a fascinating encounter, showcasing the contrasting styles of the two teams. Union Berlin's defensive resilience and tactical discipline proved to be the key to their success, while Ajax's attacking struggles ultimately led to their defeat. The player ratings reflect the overall performance of each team, with Union Berlin's players generally receiving higher scores due to their solid and cohesive display.

What did you guys think of the game? Did the player ratings reflect what you saw on the pitch? Let me know in the comments below!