Wim Suurbier, the scout of Ajax Amsterdam carefully watched the game of AS against SFM Senec. One of the great players of the Netherlands football history has been a guest of AS Trenčín already from last Thursday. Accompanied by the club’s technical director Leo van Veen, he could therefore also observe a couple of training units.

“I’ve been working in this position for about half a year. I try to do it my own way. When I have the opportunity, I observe players and clubs also during preparation. I like to discuss with coaches. I am interested in players’ mentality and their training morale. Games can show a lot, but there are still many things you can’t find out from them,“ said Suurbier.

The man with 60 appearances in the national team jersey of the Netherlands was interested in the overall operations of our club. “We have enough information from various sources. It’s however important to see the program, work system, and other things with your own eyes,“ said Suurbier who confirmed that teams are more careful today than in the past. “Scouting is becoming still more and more important.“

Sport Complex in Juh Appreciated

Leo van Veen and Win Suurbier led one of the youth trainings at the end of the week. It took place in the school sport area in Juh (a south neighborhood of Trenčín). "A very nice complex. Not only the surroundings, but also conditions for preparation of young footballers are excellent. This is neither common in the Netherlands," expressed his appreciation the scout of Ajax.

Great Career in Johan Cruijff’s Era

Fast and technically brilliant side defender was an important part of the famous era of Ajax Amsterdam led by Johan Cruijff. He won the European Cup (today Champions League) in 1971, 1972, and 1973. He’s also a seven-fold winner of the home league. Four times, he won the Dutch Cup (KNVB Cup), twice the European Super Cup, and once the Intercontinental Cup.

He was a member of the national team of the Netherlands that finished third in the European Championship in 1976 and has silver medals from the World Cups of 1974 and 1978. A really remarkable career! And what are his favorite memories? “It’s really hard to summarize. The European triumphs with Ajax and the World Cups with the national team were definitely the top events. I’ve been lucky to experience several such moments,“ concluded Wim Suurbier smiling.