Ajax's Oscar Gloukh Criticized for Playing Out of Position

Israeli footballer Oscar Gloukh was substituted in the 54th minute of Ajax's 3-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch league on Saturday. Gloukh started the match as a left winger, a position he has been playing since the departure of Mika Godts. During his time on the field, Gloukh took three shots, none of which were on target, and lost possession 10 times.

Following the game, Dutch football analysts criticized Gloukh's deployment on the wing. "He is anything but a left winger," stated the "Tactick Steven" account, adding that Gloukh is an excellent attacking midfielder but was simply in the wrong position. Journalist Lars Linpijn commented that Gloukh "simply did not fit the structure of [manager] Maurice Steijn," calling his performance "strange."

Abdullah Ozan, who came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute, was suggested as a more suitable player for the left wing position. Despite Gloukh's struggles, Linpijn noted that Ajax played better than they did last year. Ajax is currently five points behind Alkmaar, who has had a perfect start to the season, and six points behind PSV, with a game in hand.

Rick Elfrink summarized Gloukh's performance by saying, "Gloukh had a promising chance, but he wasn't accurate enough." The Israeli player will aim to score in Ajax's next match against Fortuna Sittard on Friday, ahead of Rosh Hashanah.