Dutch football pundit Johan Derksen called Indonesia national team keeper Maarten Paes a 'defective' goalkeeper after a mistake in a match against FC Twente. Ajax legend Dennis Bergkamp also criticized the club's policy of signing external players like Paes, saying it damages Ajax's DNA. The comments came on the Vandaag Inside program and in a recent interview.
Dutch football pundit Johan Derksen expressed surprise at Ajax Amsterdam's decision to sign Maarten Paes from FC Dallas in early February 2025. The criticism came on the Vandaag Inside television program while discussing Paes' performance in Ajax's match against FC Twente. In the 86th minute, Paes failed to clear a ball near the goal line after it touched his standing foot.
Analyst Rene van der Gijp first highlighted the error, sparking studio discussion. Derksen then said, "He's a defective keeper, how could they buy him?" He also noted Paes had no added value at FC Dallas previously.
Ajax legend Dennis Bergkamp criticized the club's transfer policy favoring external players. "Once you buy B or C level players from abroad, it will harm you in the end. Besides disturbing your own DNA," Bergkamp said, quoted by VoetbalPrimeur on April 10, 2026.
Since joining, Paes has made six appearances for Ajax across competitions, recording two clean sheets. Bergkamp emphasized Ajax should focus on developing academy players.
