Questions over Marcos Leonardo’s start at Ajax

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Marcos Leonardo’s early performances for Ajax have drawn criticism from former Ajax scout Hans van der Zee and former player Ronald de Boer. The 23-year-old Brazilian joined from Al-Hilal for nearly €20 million and has scored twice, while his expected-goals figure is 5.25. He was recently relegated to third choice behind Kasper Dolberg and Tolu Arokodare and was expected to start on the bench against FC Groningen because Dolberg was injured.

Van der Zee said he had not recommended Marcos Leonardo during his time scouting him at Santos and questioned whether the striker was suited to Ajax. De Boer also said he had yet to see enough impact, but urged patience, pointing to the player’s record of 44 goals in 77 matches for Al-Hilal and the trust placed in him by Jordi Cruijff and coach Míchel.

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Ajax draw with NEC

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Ajax drew 1-1 with NEC in the Eredivisie at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Tolu Arokodare gave Ajax an early lead in the sixth minute, but Tjaronn Chery equalised from the penalty spot after Jorthy Mokio fouled Noé Lebreton in the area. Ajax hit the bar through Mokio before halftime but did not turn its possession into a winning goal. Simon Adingra made his Ajax debut as a substitute. The result was Ajax's fourth match without a home win in five home league games. Ajax remains fifth with 15 points from eight matches, five points behind leader Feyenoord. Coach Míchel Sánchez said Ajax had not played well enough under NEC's pressure and needed to improve.

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Dusan Tadic controversy at NEC after Ajax return

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NEC drew 1-1 away to Ajax in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, where former Ajax captain Dusan Tadic made an emotional return and was welcomed by Ajax supporters with a banner. Before the match, the F-side marked its 50th anniversary with fireworks and a large banner. Tadic said afterwards that Ajax remains his love but that, as an NEC player, he must do what is best for NEC. Tadic had drawn criticism from NEC supporters after remarks before the match in which he described Ajax as his benchmark and contrasted playing with top players with playing alongside lesser players. He denied being disrespectful to NEC. Ahead of NEC's Europa League home match against Levski Sofia, coach Dick Schreuder said he hoped supporters would back Tadic and the team, while seeking to move on from the controversy.

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Nacho Ferri's scoring run at Feyenoord

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Feyenoord striker Nacho Ferri scored five goals and supplied one assist in his past four matches, including the opening goal in Feyenoord's 2-0 win over AZ. The 22-year-old Spaniard has five goals in 325 minutes this season, placing him second in the Eredivisie scoring standings behind Søren Tengstedt of Go Ahead Eagles.

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Ajax defeat at Hajduk Split in the Conference League

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Ajax lost 2-1 away to Hajduk Split in its opening match of the Conference League league phase. Abdoulie Sanyang put Hajduk ahead, before Ajax captain Davy Klaassen equalised in the 53rd minute. Marin Šotiček restored the home side's lead shortly afterwards after an error in Ajax's build-up. The match at the sold-out Poljud Stadium was interrupted in the second half after Hajduk supporters set off fireworks that filled the stadium with smoke. Play resumed after a short stoppage. Ajax hit the crossbar through substitute Oscar Gloukh but did not equalise and remains without points in the competition.