Julian Brandt Lets His Football Do the Talking After Ajax Criticism
Julian Brandt is used to opinions changing quickly. After Rafael van der Vaart once questioned whether the midfielder deserved to join Ajax Amsterdam, the former Dutch international has now described him as the club’s best player. Brandt, however, has greeted the reversal with characteristic calm, insisting that he tries not to let outside commentary shape his focus.
The exchange reflects the scrutiny that follows high-profile footballers, particularly when a move prompts debate about form, reputation and expectations. Since arriving in Amsterdam, Brandt has made a productive start: he has scored eight goals in 15 appearances for Ajax, although he is still waiting to register his first assist. His early output has helped shift the conversation from doubts about his transfer to the influence he can have on the pitch.
Van der Vaart’s U-turn on the Ajax midfielder
Van der Vaart’s original assessment came last August, when he discussed Brandt’s move on Dutch broadcaster NOS. The former Hamburger SV playmaker said he had been irritated by the enthusiasm surrounding the signing and suggested that Brandt’s performances during his final period at Borussia Dortmund had fallen below the level expected of him.
His criticism went further than questions about form. Van der Vaart said Brandt should be grateful to wear the Ajax shirt and described him as “a bit of a fair-weather footballer”—a pointed label that suggested the midfielder might struggle when conditions became difficult.
Since then, Brandt’s performances in the Netherlands appear to have changed Van der Vaart’s view. Speaking at the opening of an artificial-turf pitch in Hamburg last week, the pundit praised the German’s contribution, calling him “brilliant” and saying he was “Ajax’s best player.” The contrast between the two assessments was striking, and it quickly became a talking point among supporters and football commentators.
Brandt keeps criticism and praise at arm’s length
Asked about the new praise on the Spielmacher podcast, Brandt did not respond with a counterattack or a victory lap. Instead, he observed that public opinion can turn remarkably fast. “It swings very, very quickly. That’s the first time I’ve heard that,” he said.
Brandt also recalled being confronted with Van der Vaart’s earlier comments. He said he has learned to distance himself from that kind of noise, explaining that his instinct is to tell people to leave him alone with what he regards as “rubbish.” The remark was light in tone, but it captured a practical approach: listen to feedback where it is useful, then concentrate on training and matches.
Still, Brandt did not dismiss the latest compliment entirely. He smiled when acknowledging Van der Vaart’s change of heart and added: “That’s good for me.” The response suggested that praise is welcome, even if he does not want to become dependent on it. For a player whose career has often been debated in public, maintaining that balance can matter as much as any tactical adjustment.
A fresh chapter after Borussia Dortmund
Brandt’s move to Ajax represents a new stage in a career that has attracted strong opinions for years. At Borussia Dortmund, he was assessed against the expectations attached to his technical quality, creativity and experience at the highest level. When performances dipped, critics often questioned whether he was consistently delivering what his talent promised.
Ajax offers a different environment and a fresh opportunity to define his role. The club is known for valuing attacking football, technical skill and intelligent movement—qualities that suit Brandt’s strengths. His eight goals in 15 outings provide an encouraging early return, while the search for his first assist shows there is still room for his contribution to develop in other areas.
That distinction matters. Goals are an easy headline measure, but a midfielder’s wider value also comes through link-up play, pressing, movement between the lines and the ability to create space for teammates. As Brandt settles into Ajax’s system, his influence will be judged not only by his scoring record but by how consistently he helps the team control and advance the game.
What Brandt’s start could mean for Ajax
For Ajax, Brandt’s form gives the team an experienced attacking option who can contribute in different phases of play. A player capable of scoring regularly can ease pressure on other forwards, while his technical background may help the club build attacks through midfield. If he can add assists and sustain his current scoring rate, his importance to the side could grow further.
There is also a broader lesson in the debate surrounding his transfer. Early predictions about a signing are often made before a player has had time to adapt to new teammates, tactics and expectations. A difficult spell at one club does not automatically determine what comes next, just as a strong start does not guarantee an entire season will follow the same pattern. Brandt’s Ajax story is still developing, and the most reliable assessment will come from performances over time.
For now, the numbers give him a persuasive response to the doubts that greeted his arrival. Eight goals from 15 appearances is a strong beginning, and Van der Vaart’s reversal underlines how quickly the narrative has changed. Brandt appears content to let that discussion continue without becoming consumed by it.
His approach is straightforward: outside opinions may swing from criticism to praise, but the work remains on the pitch. As Ajax look ahead to their next fixtures, Brandt will have another chance to strengthen his reputation through his football—not through a pundit’s prediction, whether positive or negative.
