René van der Gijp Critiques Berghuis After Ajax Miss Against PSV

René van der Gijp could not believe what he had seen. On Vandaag Inside, the analyst laid into Steven Berghuis after the Ajax forward squandered a huge chance in the top-of-the-table clash with PSV.

The score was 1-1 in the 30th minute when Berghuis found himself with the goal at his mercy, only to drag his effort wide from close range. For Van der Gijp, that was unforgivable from a player of his technique and experience.

“What disappointed me so much,” he began. “That can happen, I know. Anything can happen. That Berghuis didn't put that ball away. That disappoints me. With such a good strike with his left foot.”

He didn’t stop there. Van der Gijp underlined just how routine he felt the chance should have been for the Ajax winger.

“I think if he takes 20 penalties, he scores all 20. And this one you put wide, man. Come on, man!” he said, visibly irritated by the miss.

That moment loomed large over the rest of the afternoon in Amsterdam. Ajax never recovered. PSV took control and eventually pulled away to win 1-3, their victory capped by a stunning goal from recent signing Lutsharel Geertruida.

Tactical choices under fire

While Van der Gijp focused on Berghuis, Valentijn Driessen turned his attention to the Ajax bench. The De Telegraaf football editor was scathing about coach Míchel’s decisions, especially his handling of the attack.

Driessen could not understand why Tolu Arokodare was withdrawn after just an hour, particularly given the forward’s performance up to that point. He was just as baffled by the absence of Abdellah Ouazane from the starting XI in such a crucial match.

“The very best player he has, Ouazane, wasn't in the team. And he forms a very good partnership with that Brandt,” Driessen argued. “And he takes Tolu off, even though he was playing quite well. And then Míchel has a stroke of genius with two strikers who haven't touched a ball all year,” he added, referring pointedly to substitutes Kasper Dolberg and Marcos Leonardo.

For Driessen, those choices summed up a coach getting the big calls wrong on a big day.

Right-back selection raises eyebrows

The criticism did not end in attack. Driessen also highlighted the decision to start Gaaei at right-back in a direct duel with Van Bommel.

“And then Gaaei, who can't defend, plays at right-back against Van Bommel. And then he has another defender on the bench,” Driessen said, incredulous. “What are you supposed to do with these kinds of coaches?”

Between Berghuis’s miss, PSV’s ruthless finishing and a series of questioned tactical calls, Ajax were left with more than just three lost points. They were left with a broadcast panel openly wondering where the guidance is coming from on the touchline – and how long a title challenger can live with this many self-inflicted wounds.