2 March 2023 at 20:00
Match Summary
Ajax defeated De Graafschap 3:0. The match was played in KNVB Beker 2022. Goals were scored by J. Sánchez 12′, S. Bergwijn 26′, B. Brobbey 78′. 2 yellow cards were shown. De Graafschap had 28% possession while Ajax held 72%. De Graafschap had 9 shots (1 on target) compared to 15 (6 on target) for Ajax. De Graafschap made 5 substitutions, Ajax made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between De Graafschap and Ajax — 3 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: B. Brobbey
assist: M. Kudus
Match Statistics
De Graafschap had 28% possession against Ajax's 72%. De Graafschap registered 9 shots (1 on target) while Ajax managed 15 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 1–9. Fouls committed: 8–7.
Lineups
De Graafschap lined up in a 5-3-2 formation under A. Poldervaart, while Ajax deployed a 4-3-3 under J. Heitinga.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for De Graafschap is —, compared to 6.58 for Ajax. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. De Graafschap's highest-rated starter is —, while Ajax's best-rated player is R. Pasveer (7.00).
Defensive Solidity
De Graafschap deploy 5 defenders rated — on average, against Ajax's 4-man backline averaging 6.30. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
De Graafschap field 3 midfielders averaging —, versus Ajax's 3 rated 6.30. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
De Graafschap start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Ajax averaging 6.70. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages —% for De Graafschap and 79% for Ajax. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Age & Experience
The average age of De Graafschap's starting XI is — (youngest: —, oldest: —), while Ajax average 29.0 (youngest: J. Hato (19), oldest: R. Pasveer (42)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
De Graafschap's starters average 0 league appearances each, versus 2 for Ajax. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: A. Poldervaart
Substitutes
Coach: J. Heitinga
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, De Graafschap have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Ajax show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
De Graafschap
Ajax
API data: 16 Apr 2026