Ajax Fans Turn on Oscar Gloukh After Frustrating AZ Performance
Oscar Gloukh has become the focus of criticism from Ajax supporters after a disappointing appearance against AZ. The Israeli midfielder came on in the 40th minute, replacing the injured Julian Brandt, but struggled to make the impact Ajax needed in a tightly contested match. His performance—and one particularly frustrating decision late in the game—prompted angry reactions online.
Gloukh entered the pitch earlier than expected, giving him a significant portion of the match to influence Ajax’s attacking play. However, as the team searched for a decisive second goal, the midfielder’s execution and choices came under scrutiny. With Ajax finding more room in the closing stages, he had an opportunity to help put the result beyond doubt. Instead, his effort in the 85th minute was blocked, and the moment quickly became a talking point among fans.
A late chance becomes a flashpoint
The incident was not simply about a missed shot. According to the match account, Steven Berghuis was available for a pass and wanted the ball, leading to frustration when Gloukh chose to shoot. Supporters argued that playing Berghuis in would have offered Ajax a better chance of scoring and securing the match.
One Ajax fan, Larry, voiced that view on X, questioning Gloukh’s decision-making and describing him as overly individualistic. Other supporters were similarly unimpressed. Indocied criticised the midfielder for appearing to focus on his own play rather than involving teammates, while another supporter, Rob, said he was “completely fed up” with him.
The reaction reflects the high standards Ajax fans place on attacking players. At a club known for possession football and quick combinations, supporters expect players to recognise when to take on a defender and when to release the ball. A blocked attempt can be forgiven, but choosing to shoot when a teammate appears better placed can quickly become a symbol of wider frustration—especially when the match is still in the balance.
Gloukh’s season so far
The criticism comes despite Gloukh having contributed to Ajax’s attack earlier in the campaign. Across 11 VriendenLoterij Eredivisie appearances this season, he has scored once and supplied four assists. Those numbers show that he has been involved in goal creation, even if his display against AZ did little to reassure supporters who want greater consistency.
Assessing a midfielder solely by goals and assists can miss important parts of his role. Link-up play, movement between the lines, pressing, and the ability to create space for others also matter. But for an attacking player, decisive moments often shape public opinion. Against AZ, Gloukh had a chance to make a positive contribution late in the match and instead left fans debating whether he should have passed.
That makes the episode relevant beyond a single blocked shot. Ajax are trying to build rhythm and results, and every attacking decision is magnified when the team has not fully put a game to bed. Gloukh will need to respond with sharper choices and more convincing performances if he is to quieten the criticism.
Player ratings underline the frustration
Supporter ratings after the AZ match offered another indication of how Gloukh’s performance was received. On Ajax Showtime, fans gave Marc ter Stegen the highest score, with a 7.5. Sofyan Amrabat followed on 7.3, while Lucas Rosa received 7.2. Gloukh was at the other end of the rankings, earning a score of just 4.
Fan ratings are subjective and can be influenced by a memorable mistake or a high-profile moment. Still, the gap between Gloukh and the better-rated players suggests that supporters felt his contribution fell short of what the match required. The score also captures the frustration surrounding his late decision, rather than necessarily measuring every part of his performance in isolation.
What the criticism means for Ajax
For Ajax, the challenge is to turn individual frustration into a constructive response. Gloukh is still contributing assists this season, and one difficult outing does not determine his long-term value. At the same time, competition for places and the club’s expectations mean he cannot rely on potential alone. Coaches and teammates will want to see him make quicker decisions, combine more effectively, and show that he can adapt when opponents close down shooting lanes.
The incident also highlights the fine margins that shape football prediction and post-match analysis. A pass to Berghuis might have led to a goal, but it is impossible to know whether the move would have ended differently. What is clear is that fans judged the decision against the game situation: Ajax had space, a teammate was calling for the ball, and a goal could have settled the contest. That context explains why the blocked shot generated such a strong response.
Ajax’s upcoming fixtures will provide Gloukh with an immediate chance to answer his critics on the pitch. The schedule includes a European meeting listed for 6 November 2026, with Ajax and AZ shown in the fixture information, followed by Juventus in the Europa League. Such matches bring a different level of pressure and could offer the midfielder an opportunity to rebuild confidence through disciplined, team-focused play.
For supporters, the key question is not whether Gloukh can attempt ambitious actions, but whether he can choose the right moment to do so. Ajax’s attacking style depends on players combining with purpose, and the best response to the AZ backlash would be a performance that balances confidence with awareness. If he can turn his creativity into effective teamwork, the criticism may fade. If similar decisions continue to frustrate teammates and fans, scrutiny is likely to intensify.
