Jaros Makes Instant Impact at Ajax After Liverpool Exit
Liverpool’s season began with a setback as they lost to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, a defeat that served as a reminder of the transfer business still to be done. Among the summer’s key considerations has been the future of fringe players, with one already securing a valuable move.
Vitezslav Jaros, the talented Czech goalkeeper, has joined Ajax for the 2025/26 season. Having made just two appearances for Liverpool last campaign, the 24-year-old now finds himself as first-choice in Amsterdam under former Reds assistant John Heitinga.
While Liverpool were struggling at Wembley, Jaros was making his Eredivisie debut, immediately showing his worth in Ajax’s 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Telstar. His performance did more than just secure three points, it prevented an early-season crisis.
Van Der Vaart Singles Out Jaros for Praise
Liverpool supporters are already familiar with Jaros’ quality, but his latest display has earned high-profile attention in the Netherlands. Speaking to NOS’s Studio Voetbal via Voetbal International, former Tottenham and Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart delivered a blunt assessment.
“Ajax were very poor,” Van der Vaart claimed. “It was pure bad luck that Telstar weren’t 2-0 or 3-0 up within five minutes. The goalkeeper [Jaros] just saved Ajax.”
Van der Vaart’s remarks underlined the scale of Jaros’ influence. While Ajax looked disjointed, the man between the posts provided a calming presence. The former Netherlands international was quick to stress his concerns about the team’s overall performance, which he believes leaves Heitinga with plenty to address.
“I was quite shocked by Ajax, it was a bit embarrassing,” he said. “It’s worrying, of course. This might be one match, but you’re focused on something all preseason. Back then, I saw different things, they were on top of things, and that wasn’t the case now, there was no pressure.
“You don’t let [Milan] Zonneveld run into the keeper three times alone.”
What This Move Means for Jaros and Liverpool
The summer reshuffle in Liverpool’s goalkeeping department has been significant. New signings Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman have all arrived, prompting questions about the long-term prospects for Jaros.
If Mamardashvili becomes the established number one and Alisson Becker departs next summer, as some believe possible, there could be an opening as Liverpool’s number two. However, Jaros’ experience in Champions League football and challenging for honours with Ajax may make him reluctant to return as a backup.
For now, this is an opportunity for Jaros to showcase himself at a high level. His debut has already drawn praise from one of Dutch football’s most outspoken pundits, and if Ajax sharpen up in front of him, the season could prove transformative for both player and club.
In Amsterdam, the chance is there for Jaros to establish himself as one of Europe’s most reliable young goalkeepers. Back at Anfield, his progress will be watched closely.
