Cruyff says that talents are 'inflated' in league

He wrote Monday in his column for De Telegraaf.

Cruyff notes that the talents are the victim of a lack of level of their fellow players. As an example he cites midfielders Davy Klaassen (22) and Donny Brook (18) of Ajax.

"Because others forget to keep watching the ball or is unable to be a good ball to play or adopt, need types as Klaassen and Van de Beek to do. Thus talents eventually blown up," said Cruyff.

"The problem is that they see both so much, that they from their responsibility towards the team are often forced to walk more than should be necessary. Also, since others respond less quickly to what they do."

According to Cruyff also leads to injuries. "Klaassen has already several times had an injury and must be prevented later, Van de Beek quickly gets stuck in its reserves."

Running away

The 68-year old from Amsterdam, who suffers from lung cancer, find players in the league have more to look around. "I learned young that I should never lose sight of the ball. That is all about and everything must be attuned to that."

"That's why I watch with amazement how many adult players in the league with their backs to the ball or run away. As Joel Veltman did it against Feyenoord and Ajax thanks to an intervention by Klaassen could still salvage a point."

Cruijff however refer not only to the defenders. "The attackers do it. Too often I see Fischer, Milik and El Ghazi walk back thirty meters when the goalkeeper of the opposing team has the ball, without having to look at an opponent or the ball. These are professional errors on this level should not be made. "

NU.nl/ Photo: Reuters