Maarten Paes ready to take starting spot at Ajax?

Last night, Ajax's official account posted a short training video: goalkeeper Maarten Paes repeatedly made brilliant saves against his teammates. The caption read simply: 'Paes' brilliant saves.' Immediately, Indonesian fans – where Paes is the national team's number one – erupted. But can a training video really change the dressing room dynamics? The real story lies beneath. Context: Ajax just suffered a 0-3 defeat to PSV in Eredivisie Round 4. Starting goalkeeper Ter Stegen (reportedly arrived from Barcelona in summer 2026) conceded three goals and has not yet provided a sense of security. Coach Mitchell has reason to rotate, especially with mid-table Fortuna Sittard ahead – a perfect opportunity to hand Paes a chance, especially after his impressive preseason and Conference League experience. But digging into data, things are unclear. No xG, save percentage, or PSxG figures are available to compare the two keepers. A training video – however flashy – is not a reliable metric. Clubs routinely release such clips for image management or marketing. For Ajax, Paes carries huge commercial value in Southeast Asia, so the video might be more PR than a tactical signal. Contrarian view: Indonesian media, including VIVA, are hyping this story. They use one training session and one loss to pressure coach Mitchell. But in reality, sticking with Ter Stegen after three conceded goals is still reasonable given his class and experience. If Paes starts and makes a mistake, the backlash will be severe – both for the player and the coaching staff. Next signal: The match against Fortuna Sittard on September 13 will reveal true intentions. If Paes plays, it's a deserved opportunity. If not, the story will quickly fade. Either way, fans must remember: a training video is not an official match.