Joeri Heerkens joined Ajax from Sparta Prague this summer and played his second match for Jong Ajax shirt at Sportpark Zoudenbalch. Although the 19-year-old goalkeeper saved two spot-kicks, the Amster...
Joeri Heerkens joined Ajax from Sparta Prague this summer and played his second match for Jong Ajax shirt at Sportpark Zoudenbalch. Although the 19-year-old goalkeeper saved two spot-kicks, the Amsterdam reserves lost 4-3.
“If you get a point here, you can still say you’ve helped the team, but ultimately I’m just not satisfied,” Heerkens told ESPN about his leading role. “Conceding four goals, losing… No, I don’t really care.”
This outlook is clearly one of a great competitor. Heerkens spoke of how he has been received so far back in his home country since his arrival from the Czech Republic.
“I’m enjoying it, but it’s still a bit of an adjustment. I’ve only been here a month. I’ve trained twice with Jong Ajax and played two matches, so it’s taking some getting used to. That’s why I was brought in: to have a gap year and be able to compete in the first team next year. I have to get the Ajax football in. I just have to be there, and I demand that of myself.”
2 - Jong Ajax' Joeri Heerkens is the first goalkeeper to save two penalties in a single Keuken Kampioen Divisie game on record. Gloves. pic.twitter.com/gQ1caiw4rh
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) August 25, 2025
“The goal is to become the first-choice goalkeeper next year, or at least compete for it. Playing for the first team wouldn’t hurt either, to experience the Eredivisie atmosphere. I also want to get some playing time with Jong Ajax, because I think the Keuken Kampioen Divisie is a good level. We have to find a balance in that.”
Category: General Sports
