Welcome to the Ajax Women‘s Classics: Missed Opportunities and Memorable Moments
Ah, the Classic. A tale of passion, rivalry, and missed chances—much like my last date! Today, we’re taking a sharp, observational dive into the scintillating world of Ajax Women and their illustrious encounters with Feyenoord. Buckle up, because you won’t want to miss a minute of this!
All-In Players: The Specialists of the Classic
Now, let’s talk about the players who’ve stood firm in the Classic trenches—those valiant souls who have graced every encounter since this rivalry started in the 2021/2022 season. Two players have been there through it all: the indomitable Sherida Spitse and the tenacious Kay-Lee de Sanders. While many have come and gone, they’ve remained steadfast like a good pair of long johns in winter!
Meanwhile, Tiny Hoekstra and crew may have been more benchwarmers than game-changers in the initial fray, which, let’s be honest, sounds like my time in the drama club—plenty of promise, but often relegated to the sidelines. Interestingly, Jonna van de Velde was absent entirely; perhaps she got caught in the world’s worst traffic jam or, just maybe, was wise enough to skip this riveting affair altogether.
Record-Breaking Attendance: When Ajax Met Feyenoord
It’s not all about enduring Classics; sometimes it’s about packing the house! In 2023, 33,700 dedicated fans filled the Johan Cruijff ArenA for the Ajax Women vs. Feyenoord match. That’s right! It’s the best-selling Eredivisie match at home. Just like an overstuffed Dutch pastry, it was a delightful experience!
But let’s not get too carried away—though this was a dazzling crowd, it still trails behind the attendance record set by the UEFA Women’s Champions League match between Ajax and Chelsea. With 35,991 tickets sold, that match must have had the atmosphere of a rock concert, minus the fog machines (and the price of the hot dogs!).
Sonny Silooy: The Classic Insider
Speaking of Classics, let’s give a nod to Sonny Silooy, who played his last match in the Classic back in 1996, a historic moment that probably deserved a slow-motion replay on Dutch television. He’s now a guiding light for the Ajax Women, sitting on the sidelines with all the wisdom of a seasoned player who knows precisely what it’s like to face that fierce Feyenoord squad. With 26 Classics under his belt, Sonny has seen it all. Twelve wins, four draws, and ten losses—it’s like a roller coaster, but with fewer safety harnesses.
Familiar Faces in Unfamiliar Places
You think a club is loyal? Hold onto your hats! Four players currently lacing their boots for Feyenoord once donned the Ajax colors. Kirsten van de Westeringh tops the list of ex-Ajaxians, but let’s be honest: once you’ve worn an Ajax jersey, you might as well be the star of your own drama series. Ziva Henry and Justine Brandau both made their mark before switching sides, along with Sanne de Paus, who, let’s face it, might be hanging around the youth squad longer than anyone ever anticipated—kind of like that friend who won’t leave the party!
The Race to the Top: Who’s Scoring Most Against Feyenoord?
In the ever-important stats game, we’re currently greeted with two potential top scorers against Feyenoord: Romée Leuchter and Tiny Hoekstra. But here’s the kicker—Leuchter’s off playing with the big shots at Paris Saint-Germain now, leaving Hoekstra with the chance to snag the title all on her own. Pretty dramatic, huh? With five goals in the Classic to her name, it’ll be fascinating to see if she can knock Leuchter off her pedestal come Sunday. Will it be a triumph of scriptwriting or an anti-climactic finish?
So, my dear readers, whether you’ve been a long-time supporter or a casual observer of the Ajax Women’s journey, there’s much excitement brewing as we approach the next Classic! Keep your popcorn ready, and let’s enjoy the drama unfold—after all, in the world of football, it’s always showtime!
