Erik ten Hag applauds 'bravado' shown by Ajax kids in cup win | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag was happy to give youth its fling as a largely second-string Ajax eased past amateur side Barendrecht in the second round of the KNVB Cup on Wednesday.

The Eredivisie giants included a sprinkling of senior men, but it was a night for emerging stars as Kenneth Taylor, Danilo (2) and Kristian Hlynsson all got on the scoresheet.

The latter two converted penalties, as the next generation got the chance to show what they could do.

“This match has given me insights,” ten Hag told ESPN afterwards (via Voetbal International).

“For example, how young boys do in a match in the Johan Cruyff Arena, always an exciting moment. I think they have mostly filled it in with bravado.”

Ever the perfectionist, however, the Ajax boss did squeeze in some constructive criticism of his starlets.

“I think the team has done a good job, except for one thing: taking advantage of opportunities,” he said.

Ten Hag is certain to revert to a full-strength side for Sunday’s Klassieker clash at Feyenoord.

The Rotterdam side crashed out of the cup on Wednesday, losing 2-1 at Twente after extra time.