'It Is Easier To Talk Behind The Television' - Heerenveen's Ejuke Fires Back At Former Ajax Winger

Published: March 17, 2020

SC Heerenveen star Chidera Ejuke has been criticised for playing to the gallery by former Ajax Amsterdam winger Kenneth Perez.

The former Liverpool trialist is having an outstanding season and is Heerenveen's top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie with nine goals from 25 matches.

"He's an active guy, but I'm not really a fan of these players, to be honest. I prefer to see someone who pulls in and then takes a shot if he gets a shot, " Perez, who is now a pundit, said on FOX Sports via Voetbalstatsnl.

"I don't like that bag of tricks, it is showing off. I prefer that he plays effectively and keeps an overview."

Though Ejuke has been labelled a selfish player, which he has disputed, he has made 40 key passes this season and only four have been converted by his teammates.

A disappointed Ejuke told Leeuwarder Courant when asked to respond to Perez's criticism : "Of course a teammate of mine gets the ball when I see the opportunity.

"But it is easier to talk behind the television or in the stands than when you are on the field and take the action.

"I try to learn from the feedback I receive. So that I become the best footballer I can be: a player who creates opportunities and scores. "

Ejuke joined Heerenveen on a four-year deal last summer, ending his two-year association with Valerenga in the process.

Igho Kingsley