Oskar Gloch Key to Ajax's Set-Piece Threat Against Atalanta
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Israeli midfielder Oskar Gloch is expected to be a key player for Ajax against Atalanta in the Conference League on Thursday. Atalanta has a significant defensive weakness, having conceded 45.5% of their goals this season from set pieces. Gloch has already contributed to two goals from corners in a recent Ajax match, highlighting his potential to exploit Atalanta's vulnerability. The Italian team is also dealing with multiple defensive injuries.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Oskar Gloch's set-piece ability could be key for Ajax against Atalanta's weak defense.
- Atalanta has conceded 45.5% of their goals this season from set pieces.
- Gloch delivered two corner kicks leading to goals in Ajax's recent 5-2 win.
- Ajax coach Michel stressed the importance of set pieces for the team.
- Atalanta is facing defensive challenges due to multiple player injuries.
Israeli midfielder Oskar Gloch is poised to play a significant role for Ajax in their upcoming Conference League match against Atalanta on Thursday. A Dutch sports analysis website, "Ajax Showtime," has identified a key vulnerability in the Italian team's defense: set pieces. Atalanta has conceded 11 goals in Serie A this season, with 45.5 percent of those, or five goals, coming from set-piece situations. This weakness was evident in their recent 3-2 loss to Milan, where a goal originated from a corner kick. Ajax, conversely, demonstrated the effectiveness of set pieces in their recent 5-2 victory over Groningen. Gloch was instrumental, delivering two corner kicks that led to goals, even though he was not credited with direct assists. In one instance, his corner found Davvy Klassen, whose shot rebounded for Aaron Bouwman to score. In another, Klassen headed Gloch's corner back into the box for Giorgi Mukiol to finish. Ajax coach Michel emphasized the importance of set pieces after the Groningen match, stating, "We work on set pieces every week. We've already scored many goals this way, and that's good. It's a way to open up the game. It's very important to us. We must continue to work on such situations."
Adding to Atalanta's defensive challenges, several players are sidelined with injuries, including Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien, Joakim Mæhle, and Sead Kolašinac. Given these circumstances, Dutch observers believe that set pieces could be Ajax's decisive advantage in the match, with Gloch potentially being the player to exploit this weakness.
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