Josip Sutalo Struggles to Impress at Ajax Amidst Declining Form

There appears to be a growing disconnect between Josip Sutalo and Ajax. The 25-year-old center-back has been favored by coach Fred Grim in recent weeks, yet he continues to underperform. This past weekend during the match against AZ, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Sutalo once again drew negative attention, as noted by Hans Kraay Junior.

In the first half, Ajax showed promise, but shortly after the break, they found themselves trailing due to a goal from Wouter Goes. In injury time, substitute Kian Fitz-Jim salvaged a point for the Amsterdam side. Analyzing the match on ESPN’s segment “Bellen met,” Kraay commented on Ajax’s “very mediocre” performance, stating, “AZ allowed Sutalo plenty of time on the ball, yet instead of delivering a well-placed pass to Dolberg, he fired it over his head at 110 kilometers per hour.”

Interest in Sutalo has emerged from both the Bundesliga and Serie A. After a disappointing debut season, he revitalized his career under coach Francesco Farioli, proving to be a reliable player in a more compact defensive setup. However, this season has seen him again exposed in situations where he has space behind him, a recurring vulnerability. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Sutalo has the opportunity to shine once more with the Croatian national team, which Ajax seems to be banking on.