Liverpool’s loan contingent endured a mixed weekend across Europe, but one of the brightest spots came in the Netherlands, where Vitezslav Jaros continued to make his case as Ajax’s No. 1.
The Czech goalkeeper has been thrust into a volatile environment under John Heitinga, with the Dutch giants still searching for rhythm after a stuttering start to the Eredivisie campaign.
Ajax dropped points for the first time this season in a 2-2 draw away to Go Ahead Eagles, a result that drew sharp criticism in the Dutch press.
De Telegraaf bemoaned Heitinga’s “unfinished puzzle” that had cost the side, while De Volkskrant pointed to Jaros as a rare positive, describing the 22-year-old’s displays as “admirable” despite the surrounding “chaos.”
Statistically, it was a mixed outing for the goalkeeper. Jaros conceded twice and posted a goals-prevented figure of -0.46, suggesting both goals were ones he might have expected to save.
Yet his sharp intervention late on — denying Victor Edvardsen a free-kick — ensured Ajax left Deventer with at least a point. That stop, his only save of the afternoon, underlined why Dutch media continue to highlight his strong impression between the posts.
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Vitezslav Jaros stands tall in Ajax turmoil
The scrutiny, however, remains firmly on Heitinga. The Ajax coach will be under pressure to deliver three points this coming weekend, when his side host bottom-of-the-table Heracles.
For Jaros, it could mean a quieter evening, though the early weeks have shown that little comes easy for this version of Ajax.
Elsewhere among Liverpool’s loanees, midfielder Luca Stephenson completed 90 minutes in his second debut for Dundee United, though his side exited the Scottish League Cup with defeat to Kilmarnock.
Harvey Davies’ tough introduction to senior football continued as Crawley Town fell to a fourth straight loss, while James Norris featured for 45 minutes with Shelbourne in Ireland.
Injuries kept Owen Beck and Isaac Mabaya sidelined, with Beck expected back only after the September international break.
With the transfer window still open, several more youngsters — including Calvin Ramsay, Kaide Gordon, Lewis Koumas, James McConnell, Luke Chambers, and James Balagizi — are anticipated to secure moves in the coming fortnight.
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