McConnell Faces Tough Start at Ajax Under Heitinga’s Guidance
Liverpool midfielder James McConnell’s loan spell at Ajax has sparked criticism in the Netherlands, with questions emerging over his role and readiness for Dutch football. The 21-year-old, who joined the Eredivisie side in the summer to reunite with coach John Heitinga, has endured a difficult start to life in Amsterdam.
McConnell’s Journey from Sunderland to Liverpool and Beyond
Having joined Liverpool from Sunderland as a teenager in 2019, McConnell rose through the youth ranks at Kirkby with a reputation for composure and intelligence in possession. His progress eventually earned him 13 first-team appearances, and his performances last season persuaded Liverpool to offer him a new long-term deal before agreeing to his loan move to Ajax for the 2025/26 campaign.
The move was expected to accelerate his development in a technically demanding environment, while allowing him to work again with Heitinga, a former Liverpool coach and now Ajax’s manager. It was also seen as a chance for McConnell to adapt to a more possession-based league, often seen as a proving ground for young midfielders.
Struggles in Early Performances
McConnell’s introduction to Dutch football, however, has been far from seamless. So far this season, he has featured in six matches, including two in the Champions League. His most recent start came in the Eredivisie against FC Twente, a match that highlighted the challenges he faces at this stage of his development.
Deployed in a double-pivot role alongside Kenneth Taylor in Ajax’s 4-2-3-1 formation, McConnell was withdrawn at half-time after a subdued first-half display. Ajax would go on to lose the match 3–2, prompting frustration from local pundits.
According to Soccer News, Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen questioned Ajax’s decision to bring McConnell in, saying: “I really wonder what that guy from Liverpool is doing here. Honestly, what madness.” Fellow reporter Mike Verweij was equally sceptical, adding: “He probably needs a year to adjust, and then he’ll go back.”
Heitinga’s Balancing Act at Ajax
For Heitinga, integrating young loanees like McConnell represents a delicate balancing act. Ajax are known for nurturing emerging talents, but recent seasons have been marked by inconsistency and rebuilding. The club’s reliance on younger players has left them vulnerable to criticism when results falter.
Heitinga’s trust in McConnell stems from his familiarity with the player’s work ethic and tactical discipline during their shared time at Liverpool’s academy. Yet the demands of Ajax’s system—high-tempo transitions, positional awareness, and technical precision—require quick adaptation. McConnell’s 80% pass accuracy and 26 touches against Twente show flashes of composure, but his influence remains limited in key moments.
What Comes Next for McConnell and Ajax
There remains optimism within Liverpool that McConnell’s time in Amsterdam will prove valuable in the long term. The loan was never viewed as a short-term fix but rather as part of a broader plan to expose him to European football’s tactical variations.
For Ajax, the challenge is to stabilise their form under Heitinga while maintaining faith in players like McConnell who may take longer to find rhythm. For the midfielder himself, the coming months will be crucial in demonstrating resilience and adapting to a new footballing culture that demands both technical skill and mental sharpness.
As scrutiny grows, both clubs will be watching closely to see whether this difficult start becomes a turning point—or a missed opportunity.
