Ajax Tests Israeli Midfielder Oscar Gloukh in New Left-Wing Role Amid Criticism

Ajax secured a 4-2 victory over Sivasspor on August 20, 2026, advancing to the Conference League group stage, but Israeli midfielder Oscar Gloukh was deployed in an unfamiliar position as a left winger. Previously playing as a left midfielder and number 10, Gloukh was shifted to the left-wing role under coach Mitchell, following the departure of key creator Mika Chudets. Despite the team's win, Gloukh struggled to make an impact, delivering only one key pass and two off-target shots before being substituted in the 73rd minute with the score tied at 2-2.

Dutch media criticized the positional change, arguing that Gloukh lacks the necessary speed for the wing and tends to cut inside rather than stay wide, which does not suit the role. They suggested Ajax should recruit new wingers before the transfer window closes in ten days. Gloukh had previously played as a left winger at Red Bull Salzburg and occasionally as a right winger under coach Fred Grim last season. Ajax Life highlighted a missed scoring opportunity when Gloukh failed to direct a promising pass from Julian Brandt on target.

The experiment with Gloukh's position continues as Ajax seeks to fill the creative void left by Chudets, but the Israeli talent's adaptation to the wing role remains under scrutiny.