Maduro: "Valencia CF can creat chances against Ajax with fast transitions"

Ajax and Valencia CF are two clubs close to Hedwiges Maduro's heart, with the defender having played over 100 games for both teams during his career. He will be in attendance for Wednesday night's game between them, and spoke to VCF Media to explain the keys to the match.

"Everybody knows the Ajax philosophy; they always want to play the ball around with a lot of touches and keep possession of the ball, but they also leave a lot of space behind the defensive line, meaning that you can create chances against them with fast transitions," says Maduro.

"All of Ajax's opponents have created chances off fast transitions, and Valencia CF have some very fast strikers. Ajax have very good players, like Ziyech and Tadic, but lose the ball a lot in the midfield."

As for the threat posed by the Dutch team, Maduro singled out their attack, saying that "Valencia CF need to be serious in defence and stay alert for players like Ziyech, Tadic and Van de Beek. If VCF play seriously, they can score goals against Ajax."

"Valencia CF have to focus on winning their three home games at Mestalla, as with 9 points you have a big chance of going through to the knockout stage. They also need to get points away, and that's why the win at Chelsea was important."

"Both of these teams started well, and my dream is for both to go into the next round. I think that Ajax and Valencia CF can get through. I think that Valencia CF will win this game. Mestalla is a fortress, the fans are very demanding and that's a plus for the players."