At 18, defensive midfielder Jorthy Mokio scored a double in Ajax Amsterdam’s 5-2 win at FC Groningen on Eredivisie matchday 9.
The 18-year-old Ajax Amsterdam defensive midfielder scored two goals in six minutes, helping his side to a 5-2 win at FC Groningen on Eredivisie matchday 9. The player of Congolese origin started the match and played the full 90 minutes in midfield.
Mokio opened his account in the 69th minute, then struck again six minutes later, in the 75th. The double takes his personal tally to 3 goals and 1 assist in the league this season, according to Irisfootball.com.
A five-man midfield
Coach Míchel Sánchez opted for a five-man midfield to give his team more dynamism and control, according to VoetbalPrimeur. Mokio explained after the match: “We had five midfielders and we were far more dynamic against the opposition press.”
Brandt and Bouwman complete the scoring
Besides Mokio’s double, attacking midfielder Julian Brandt also scored twice, while Aaron Bouwman netted Ajax’s fifth goal, according to FC Groningen. Groningen’s goals came from Brynjolfur Willumsson and Thom van Bergen in the second half.
The 5-2 win means Ajax have scored at least five goals in a league match for the third time this season, according to Goal.com South Africa. Mokio also provided an assist for an Abdellah Ouazane effort stopped by opposing goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen, according to Sky Sports.
Meerdink hails “a huge talent”
Former Netherlands international Martijn Meerdink picked Mokio in his team of the week for De Telegraaf, calling him a “huge talent”. “It’s great that he gets so much playing time at Ajax. He’s a huge talent, a player who is a pleasure to watch,” the pundit told VoetbalPrimeur/De Telegraaf.
Ajax Amsterdam face Atalanta Bergamo on matchday 2 of the Conference League league phase, according to AfricaFoot.