PSV 2-2 Ajax Player Ratings: Kenneth Taylor 8.5/10 Rated as Late Drama Sees Teams Share Spoils in 2-2 Thriller

This Eredivisie clash between PSV and Ajax was an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish. A 2-2 draw felt like a fair result, but both sides will be kicking themselves for not grabbing all three points. It was a chaotic, end-to-end battle that truly lived up to the billing of a top-tier Dutch classic.

PSV burst out of the gates, and it was no surprise when they took the lead. Ismael Saibari's early header put them in control. However, Ajax showed resilience, fighting their way back into the match. They deservedly equalized from the penalty spot.

The second half saw PSV retake the lead late on, and it looked for all the world like they had sealed the victory. But this Ajax side simply refused to be beaten. A moment of brilliance right at the death snatched a point from the jaws of defeat, leaving the home fans stunned and the away contingent in raptures. It was a genuinely thrilling encounter that showcased the best of Dutch football. Here are the PSV vs Ajax player ratings.

Ajax Player Ratings vs PSV

Here are the Ajax player ratings vs PSV.

Goalkeeper

Vitezslav Jaros - 7.0: We thought Jaros had a solid outing despite conceding twice. He made five saves, a few of which were absolutely vital to keep his team in the contest. He couldn't be faulted for either of PSV's goals, particularly the close-range header for the second. His distribution was decent, and he commanded his area well enough under pressure. A reliable performance when his team needed him.

Defenders

Lucas Rosa - 6.5: It was a busy evening for the right-back. He was tested defensively throughout but also showed a willingness to get forward, even forcing a good save in the second half. He lost a few duels but stuck to his task with determination. His substitution late on was likely due to fatigue after a tireless shift up and down the flank.

Ko Itakura - 6.5: A mixed bag from the central defender. He made an impressive six clearances and one crucial blocked shot, showing his positional awareness. However, what stood out to us was how he seemed occasionally overwhelmed by the pace of PSV's attacks. He was steady for the most part but didn't exude the complete authority you'd want from your center-back in such a big game.

Owen Wijndal - 5.5: This was a night to forget for Wijndal. He was booked early on and made a critical error that led to a shot, putting his team under unnecessary pressure. From our perspective, he never looked comfortable and was a clear weak point in the backline. Being substituted after 68 minutes felt like a mercy, a recognition that it just wasn't his day.

Youri Baas - 7.0: In contrast to his defensive partner, Baas was one of Ajax's standout defenders. He was incredibly composed, winning seven of his ten duels and cleverly drawing five fouls to relieve pressure. His goal-line clearance was a moment of pure defensive instinct that kept his team in the game. A very mature and effective performance.

Midfielders

Youri Regeer - 6.0: A somewhat anonymous performance from Regeer. He worked hard off the ball but struggled to make a significant impact on proceedings. He picked up a needless yellow card and was substituted in the second half. While he didn't make any glaring errors, he failed to impose himself on the midfield battle.

Kenneth Taylor - 8.5: Absolutely outstanding. Without a doubt, the highest-rated player and our man of the match. He showed immense composure to slot home the penalty and then delivered a perfectly weighted through ball for the dramatic late equalizer. He was involved in everything, tackling, creating, and scoring. His yellow card was the only minor blemish on an all-action, game-defining performance.

Davy Klaassen - 6.5: The captain's work rate can never be questioned. He threw himself into tackles, winning a high percentage of his duels. However, his contribution on the ball was limited. With a pass accuracy of just 60%, he often gave away possession cheaply. He led by example with his effort, but lacked the quality needed in the final third.

Forwards

Kasper Dolberg - 5.5: A very disappointing return to the starting lineup for Dolberg. He was completely isolated and ineffective in the first half, touching the ball just 16 times. Being hooked at halftime was the right call. He looked off the pace and failed to provide any sort of focal point for the attack.

Mika Godts - 7.5: Ajax's most consistent threat throughout the 90 minutes. He was a livewire on the wing, constantly looking to take on his man and create opportunities, racking up four key passes. His final product was sometimes inconsistent, but his bravery on the ball and willingness to try things was a huge plus for his team. He just needs to add a little more polish to his game.

Oliver Edvardsen - 7.0: His biggest contribution was immense, as he cleverly won the penalty that got Ajax back on level terms. Beyond that, he was a bit of a mixed bag. He worked hard but faded in and out of the match before being substituted. The yellow card was also a sign of his frustration at times.

Substitutes

Oscar Gloukh - 8.0: What an impact. Came on at halftime and completely changed the dynamic of Ajax's attack. He looked sharp, dangerous, and took his goal with supreme confidence. It was a fantastic finish under pressure that earned his team a crucial point. A game-changing substitution.

Kian Fitz-Jim - 6.0: Brought on to add fresh legs in midfield but ended up getting a yellow card shortly after his introduction. Didn't have much time to influence the game positively.

Josip Sutalo - 6.0: Replaced the struggling Wijndal and helped to solidify the defense in the final stages. A steady, if unspectacular, cameo.

Raúl Moro - N/A: Introduced with only a few minutes remaining and had no time to make an impression.

Manager

J. Heitinga - 7.0: We have to give him credit. His team showed tremendous spirit to come from behind on two separate occasions away from home. His decision to bring on Oscar Gloukh at halftime was a masterstroke that directly led to them salvaging a draw. While he'll want to address the defensive frailties, he'll be pleased with the character his side displayed.

PSV Player Ratings vs Ajax

Here are the PSV player ratings vs Ajax.

Goalkeeper

Matej Kovar - 6.5: Kovar made four saves, including a couple of sharp stops to deny Ajax. He could do nothing about the penalty, and he was left exposed for the late equalizer. His distribution was a bit erratic, with a number of long balls going astray. Overall, a decent performance, but he wasn't able to be the hero his team needed.

Defenders

Anass Salah-Eddine - 7.0: A very strong performance from the full-back. He was defensively solid, winning nine of his 13 duels, and also posed a threat going forward, testing the keeper with two shots on target. He was composed in possession and provided a good outlet on the left side. He can be very pleased with his evening's work.

Yarek Gasiorowski - 8.0: A fantastic game from the center-back. He was a rock at the back and capped his performance by scoring what he surely thought was the winning goal with a powerful header. He was calm on the ball, with 93% pass accuracy, and dominant in the air. A top-class display.

Ryan Flamingo - 7.0: Flamingo was an imposing figure alongside Gasiorowski. He made several important blocks and clearances, and was strong in his duels. He read the game well and was rarely caught out of position. A very reliable and no-nonsense performance that gave his side a solid foundation.

Sergiño Dest - 5.5: A difficult night for Dest against his former club. His clumsy challenge to give away the penalty was a major turning point in the first half. It was a moment of rashness that proved costly. While he was solid otherwise, that single mistake overshadows his entire performance, and his substitution wasn't a surprise.

Midfielders

Jerdy Schouten - 6.0: Not the captain's most influential game. He was tidy in possession but struggled to dictate the tempo of the match as he usually does. He put in a shift defensively but was largely a peripheral figure before being substituted. A quiet outing by his high standards.

Joey Veerman - 7.0: The creative engine for PSV. He was constantly on the ball, looking to unlock the Ajax defense with his passing range. He created three chances and was at the heart of most of his team's attacks. However, his delivery from 11 crosses was often disappointing, and he picked up a booking late on.

Ismael Saibari - 7.5: Saibari was a bundle of energy and got his reward with a well-taken header for the opening goal. He was a menace all game, registering five shots and always looking to drive his team forward. He was a constant thorn in Ajax's side with his movement and aggressive running.

Forwards

Ivan Perišić - 7.5: His quality and experience were evident. He delivered a brilliant cross for the opening goal and created two big chances. The Croatian winger was a constant threat with his delivery and movement. The yellow card was a result of his competitive nature, but he was one of PSV's most effective players.

Ruben van Bommel - 5.0: It was a tough watch. The young forward really struggled to get into the game, losing all five of his duels and touching the ball just 18 times. His afternoon was cut short by an unfortunate injury, but he was having a very poor game up to that point. Arguably the worst performer on the pitch.

Ricardo Pepi - 6.0: A frustrating day for the American striker. He worked tirelessly and his hold-up play was decent, but he lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. He missed a big chance and was often isolated. He put in the effort, but it just didn't click for him in the final third.

Substitutes

Esmir Bajraktarevic - 6.5: Came on for the injured van Bommel and provided a spark. He looked lively and was not afraid to take shots on, though his own injury scare briefly disrupted his rhythm.

Guus Til - 6.0: Added energy and physicality to the midfield battle but wasn't able to provide a game-changing moment.

Mauro Júnior - 7.5: An excellent cameo off the bench. He provided a superb assist for the second goal with a pinpoint cross. His introduction gave PSV a fresh attacking impetus down the flank and he made a real difference.

Manager

P. Bosz - 6.5: He will be immensely frustrated. His team played well enough to win, taking the lead twice at home. The inability to hold on, especially conceding in the 88th minute, will feel like a defeat. His substitutions were logical, with Mauro Júnior's introduction being particularly effective, but he couldn't guide his team over the line.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Year is Kenneth Taylor