Mario Been and Kees Kwakman question Ajax’s cautious approach to Abdellah Ouazane
Ajax’s 1-1 draw with NEC has renewed debate about how the Amsterdam club should use one of its most promising young players. Abdellah Ouazane, the 17-year-old academy talent, came off the bench for the final half-hour on Saturday, showing flashes of skill but not producing the decisive moment Ajax needed.
That limited role left former footballers and analysts Mario Been and Kees Kwakman questioning why the teenager remains a substitute. Speaking on ESPN’s De Eretribune, both argued that Ouazane could offer Ajax something their current wide options have struggled to provide: the confidence and ability to take on defenders one-on-one.
Ouazane’s brief appearance against NEC
Ajax were unable to turn their possession and attacking pressure into a winning goal against NEC, settling for a draw that will feel like a missed opportunity. Ouazane entered the match with around 30 minutes remaining and brought energy to the attack. He produced several eye-catching touches and attempted to unsettle NEC’s defence, though he could not find the net or change the result.
For a player still establishing himself at senior level, half an hour can be a meaningful opportunity. Yet Been felt Ajax had waited too long to introduce him, particularly given the team’s need for a player capable of creating danger in a tight match.
“It takes a long time before Ouazane comes on, doesn’t it?” Been said. He contrasted the teenager’s situation with the prominent roles given to Ajax’s expensive signings, arguing that a homegrown player might bring more quality than many of the recruits currently being trusted.
Why Been believes Ajax should start the teenager
Been’s case is based not only on Ouazane’s potential but also on the specific qualities he can bring to Ajax’s attack. The teenager is willing to carry the ball forward, challenge defenders and try to create separation in one-on-one situations. Those skills can be especially valuable when an opponent is well organised and space is limited.
“I would always play him,” Been said, adding that Ouazane is capable of beating opponents. He stressed that individual dribbling ability matters in matches like the NEC draw, when a team may need one player to break a defensive line rather than simply move the ball around it.
That does not mean a young winger can solve every attacking problem on his own. Starting regularly would bring greater responsibility, and Ouazane would need to show consistency in decision-making, pressing and defensive work. But Been’s point is that Ajax may not discover how much the youngster can contribute if his opportunities remain limited to short substitute appearances.
Kwakman questions Ajax’s choices on the wings
Kwakman also highlighted uncertainty in Ajax’s wide positions. He noted that the coaching staff continues to use Gloukh on the left, where the player has had some positive moments, while the right flank has also been difficult to settle—particularly with Berghuis unavailable.
In that context, Kwakman found Ajax’s cautious handling of Ouazane hard to understand. “I’m a big fan of Ouazane, but they are being so cautious with him there,” he said. When asked why the club was taking that approach, he pointed towards the performance staff, suggesting that the decision may be linked to physical readiness or workload management.
That possibility is important. A player’s absence from the starting line-up does not necessarily mean the coach lacks confidence in his ability. At 17, Ouazane may be following a carefully managed programme designed to protect his development, especially during a demanding schedule. Fitness data, training performance and the risk of injury can all influence how quickly a young player is introduced to first-team football.
Balancing development with immediate results
Ajax face a familiar challenge: balancing the long-term development of academy players with the immediate pressure to win. The club’s identity is closely connected to its youth system, but young talents still need a clear pathway from promise to regular senior involvement. When established signings receive repeated opportunities while academy graduates wait on the bench, supporters and analysts naturally question the club’s priorities.
There are arguments on both sides. A gradual introduction can help a teenager adjust to the speed, physicality and tactical demands of senior football. It can also prevent expectations from becoming excessive after a few impressive appearances. On the other hand, carefully chosen starts can accelerate a player’s learning and show that performance, rather than reputation or transfer cost, determines selection.
For Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez, the challenge is to judge whether Ouazane is ready for a larger role—and, if so, how to give him one without placing unrealistic demands on him. A start in a suitable fixture, or a longer run of minutes from the bench, could provide a clearer assessment than occasional short appearances.
What comes next for Ajax and Ouazane?
The draw with NEC has sharpened the discussion, but it does not settle the question of Ouazane’s place in the team. His lively cameo offered encouragement, while the lack of a goal or decisive contribution showed that potential still has to be converted into results. The next step is for Ajax to give him a role that allows both player and coaching staff to assess his progress over a meaningful period.
Ajax’s upcoming fixtures will test the depth and balance of the squad, particularly if Berghuis remains unavailable and the wide positions continue to be unsettled. If Ouazane receives more minutes, his direct style could give the team a different attacking option. If he stays on the bench, the club may need to explain how its development plan is helping him move towards first-team football.
For now, Been and Kwakman’s prediction is clear: Ouazane deserves more trust. Whether Ajax agree will depend on the teenager’s readiness, the coaching staff’s assessment and the team’s need for a player who can take on defenders when a match becomes difficult to unlock.
