USG 0-2 Ajax Player Ratings: Second-half goals from Rasmussen and Mokio enough for the visitors

USG hosted Ajax at the Stade Roi Baudouin in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoff round on Thursday, February 13 and fell to a 0-2 defeat.

The first half was a cagey affair with both teams sharing the ball for nearly equal periods. USG attempted five shots with one on target, while Ajax attempted five with three on target. However, neither side could break the deadlock.

It took until the 59^th minute for the opening goal, scored by Ajax’s Christian Rasmussen. Shortly after, Jorthy Mokio doubled his team’s advantage with a lovely finish after 71 minutes. Both managers made several changes but Ajax held on to secure a first-leg win over USG.

On that note, here are the USG vs Ajax Player Ratings.

USG Player Ratings vs Ajax

Goalkeeper

Anthony Moris – 6.5/10

The USG captain made three saves in a decent performance in goal.

Defenders

Kevin Mac Allister – 6.5/10

He won eight duels in defence, making five clearances and five tackles, and was also booked for a foul.

Christian Burgess – 6.5/10

Burgess had a decent game as he won six duels, making two clearances and two tackles.

Fedde Leysen – 7/10

Leysen was solid in defence as he won five duels, making three clearances, three tackles and two interceptions. He also played one key pass.

Midfielders

Anan Khalaili – 6.5/10

He had a decent game on the right flank but could not make an impact on the proceedings.

Charles Vanhoutte – 7.5/10

He had a great game on and off the ball, playing three key passes and three crosses. He also completed two dribbles, won five duels, and made one interception.

Noah Sadiki – 7.5/10

He won three duels in midfield, making one interception and one clearance off the line. He also completed two dribbles.

Ousseynou Niang – 6.5/10

Niang had a subpar performance on the left flank for USG.

Forwards

Franjo Ivanovic – 7/10

Ivanovic attempted three shots, with just one on target. He also played one key pass and won six duels.

Anouar Ait El Hadj – 6.5/10

He won five duels in midfield, completed two dribbles and attempted one shot off-target.

Promise David – 6.5/10

He started up front but neither of his two efforts were on target. He won three duels.

Substitutes

Mohammed Fuseini – 6.5/10

He replaced Hadj but was unable to make an impact on the match.

Kevin Rodriguez – 6.5/10

He replaced David but could not make an impact upfront either.

Mathias Rasmussen – N/A

He played fewer than 10 minutes and does not warrant a rating.

Manager

Sebastien Pocognoli – 6.5/10

He set his team up in a timid way and they were duly handed a defeat.

Ajax Player Ratings vs USG

Goalkeeper

Remko Pasveer – 7.5/10

Pasveer made three good saves in goal for Ajax as he earned his clean sheet.

Defenders

Lucas Rosa – 7/10

Rosa won seven duels in defence, making two clearances and two interceptions as well.

Daniele Rugani – 7/10

He played just the first half but won all four of his duels, making four clearances and one tackle.

Youri Baas – 7/10

He won five duels, making five clearances, four tackles and one interception as well.

Jorrel Hato – 7.5/10

Hato was a busy man in defence as he won seven duels, making five tackles and one clearance.

Midfielders

Jorthy Mokio – 8/10

Mokio had a great game in midfield as he won 11 duels, making four tackles, two clearances and one interception. He also completed three dribbles and scored Ajax’s second goal.

Davy Klaasen – 7.5/10

He passed the ball with 89% accuracy, and won three duels, making seven clearances, three blocks and one clearance off the line.

Kian Fitz-Jim – 6.5/10

He had an average game in midfield for Ajax and was subbed off.

Forwards

Christian Rasmussen – 7.5/10

He scored the opening goal of the game in the 59^th minute. He also won nine duels and made two tackles.

Steven Berghuis – 7/10

He had a mixed game as neither of his two shots were on target. He played two key passes and won three duels as well.

Oliver Valaker Edvardsen – 7.5/10

He played two key passes, including one assist. He also attempted three shots on target and won eight duels as well.

Substitutes

Josip Sutalo – 7.5/10

He had a great performance in the second half as he won eight duels, making four clearances, five interceptions and one last-man tackle.

Anton Gaaei – 6.5/10

He replaced Rosa but failed to make an impact.

Kenneth Taylor – 6.5/10

He replaced Fitz-Jim but could not make a positive impact on proceedings.

Mika Godts & Bertrand Traore – N/A

They played fewer than 10 minutes apiece and do not warrant a rating.

Manager

Francesco Farioli – 7.5/10

He set his team up very well and they secured a deserved win.