Ajax secured an impressive advantage on Thursday evening in Belgium. With goals from Christian Rasmussen and Jorthy Mokio, the Amsterdam team triumphed 0-2 on a poor playing surface of Union Saint-Gilloise. The morning papers are full of praise for the young Ajax players, particularly Mokio, who is expected to have a brilliant future at a top European club.
Morning Papers Praise Ajax Prodigy Mokio
After a goalless first half, goals from young Ajax talents Rasmussen and Mokio made the difference. “Two youngsters have given Ajax an edge in reaching the Europa League round of 16,” reports De Telegraaf. The newspaper noted that good football was nearly impossible due to the dreadful condition of the pitch. “Anyone who imagined the fans away from the King Baudouin Stadium could have thought they were witnessing a match between well-meaning amateurs in the fourth division. As combining play was impossible, both teams opted for long balls frequently.”
The paper also has high expectations for the top talent Mokio. “On home soil, the Belgian showed why he is considered a major talent with a promising football future.” Algemeen Dagblad similarly highlights the 16-year-old midfielder as a player to watch. “On the field of the King Baudouin Stadium, nearly 2500 travelling Ajax fans embraced Jorthy Mokio as a new gem.”
The 16-year-old prodigy, who was born on a leap day, captivated the audience during Ajax’s lackluster first half against Union Saint-Gilles with a remarkable performance that pushed his new team one step closer to the Europa League Round of 16.
On FC Barcelona’s Radar
According to the newspaper, it was entirely possible that Mokio could have moved to a Spanish giant at a young age. “Mokio played as a forward until he was fourteen. At fifteen, he made his debut for Gent as a central defender, catching the eye of FC Barcelona. After Mokio’s stellar performance against Union, both Senior and FC Barcelona might reconsider their stance.” Earlier this week, Mokio’s father suggested that the talent might end up as a left-back. However, in Brussels, Francesco Farioli positioned Mokio as a defensive midfielder.
De Volkskrant also showered praise on Ajax’s rising star. “Yes, the 16-year-old introduced himself as an emerging top player to the international football community. Technically skilled, intelligent, giving instructions, poised. He is a talent with flair, physical strength, and top-tier potential. Just like on Sunday against Fortuna, he remained unfazed by factors beyond his control, such as the quality of the pitch. He simply decided to enjoy playing football, culminating in the 0-2 scoreline.”
