Ajax Fans Demand Ouazane as Gloukh Struggles

In Amsterdam, the scoreline says one thing. The stands scream another.

Ajax’s clash with PSV may be level on the pitch in the first half, but one man has become the lightning rod for the home crowd’s anger: Oscar Gloukh.

Gloukh under fire

Given another chance on the left wing in a marquee fixture, the Israeli has looked like a man trapped in his own frustration. His shots have been smothered, his attacking threat dulled, and when Ajax have had to defend, he has been exposed.

The breaking point came in the 27th minute. Gloukh watched as Sergiño Dest, his direct opponent, simply ran off him down the flank. Guus Til suddenly appeared in a dangerous pocket in front of goal, only to lash his effort high over the bar. The chance went begging. The anger did not.

On ESPN, commentator Vincent Schildkamp did not miss it. “Now Gloukh is basically just giving up and gesturing to his team-mates: ‘Yes, I’m not going to get there anymore. You have to sort it out,’” he observed, adding that Gloukh “simply does not have the lungs to keep up with Dest all evening either.”

That line will sting. So will the reaction in the stands.

Fans turn to Ouazane

Ajax supporters have shown little patience for any physical shortcomings. Social media filled quickly with calls for an immediate change.

“Take Gloukh off now,” read one blunt message. Another went harder: “This is truly disgraceful. Gloukh is one of the worst players I have seen at Ajax.”

The contrast could not be clearer. While Gloukh struggles, the name on many lips is Abdellah Ouazane.

The 17-year-old has impressed in recent weeks, and fans are not shy about demanding his inclusion. “Why isn’t Ouazane playing? He is five times the player Gloukh is, surely,” wrote one supporter. Another pushed the same idea with a sharper edge: “Gloukh off for a quick shower and bring Ouazane on.”

The match itself remains delicately poised. Gloukh’s place in it does not.