The competition for the starting goalkeeper position at Dutch Eredivisie powerhouse AFC Ajax has intensified significantly following a standout training performance by Indonesian national team goalkeeper Maarten Paes. Ahead of their upcoming domestic league fixture against Fortuna Sittard on Sunday, September 13, 2026, Ajax released exclusive training footage across their official social media channels, highlighting a high-intensity shooting drill where the 26-year-old shot-stopper delivered a masterclass in reflexes and positioning.
The video, which quickly circulated on platforms including TikTok, showcased various outfield players unleashing powerful strikes from both inside and outside the penalty area. While the primary objective of the exercise was to sharpen the goalscoring instincts of the Ajax attackers, it ultimately served as a showcase for the club’s depth in goal. Paes, in particular, captured the attention of coaching staff and teammates alike with a string of acrobatic saves, thwarting wave after wave of attacking pressure as if he were an impenetrable wall.
Ajax’s media team underscored his impressive display in the clip’s caption, noting, "Several brilliant saves from Maarten Paes in today’s shooting training session." The publication of these highlights has fueled widespread speculation among football analysts and supporters that the Indonesian international could be handed a rare starting berth under manager Mitchel for the weekend encounter at the Fortuna Sittard Stadion.
Background and Pre-Season Prominence
Maarten Paes’s journey at the Johan Cruijff ArenA has been characterized by steady progression and fierce competition. During the pre-season preparations for the 2026/2027 campaign, Paes established himself as one of the primary options under the coaching staff. His reliability between the posts earned him valuable minutes on the pitch, including vital appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League, where he demonstrated his capability to perform on the continental stage.
However, the dynamics of the squad shifted dramatically during the summer transfer window when Ajax secured the high-profile signature of seasoned German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen from Spanish La Liga giants FC Barcelona. The arrival of Ter Stegen immediately altered the hierarchy within the squad. Armed with vast experience at the highest levels of European football, Ter Stegen was installed as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, relegating Paes to a backup role where he has had to patiently await opportunities from the substitutes’ bench.
Defensive Vulnerabilities and the Case for Rotation
Despite Ter Stegen’s established pedigree, recent defensive frailties have cast a shadow of doubt over his stranglehold on the starting position. In their most recent Eredivisie outing, Ajax suffered a chastening and comprehensive defeat at the hands of arch-rivals PSV Eindhoven, a match in which Ter Stegen conceded three goals. The defensive collapse exposed vulnerabilities within the backline and raised questions about whether the German international is currently providing the defensive stability and reassurance the team requires during a demanding phase of the season.
This dip in defensive security has inadvertently opened a window of opportunity for Paes. Observers close to the club suggest that the Indonesian goalkeeper’s recent training ground heroics are timely, offering manager Mitchel a viable tactical alternative if he opts to shake up his starting lineup to address recent defensive leaks. Paes’s supporters argue that his familiarity with the squad’s tactical framework, combined with his international experience representing the Indonesian national team, equips him with the mental fortitude required to shoulder the responsibility in high-pressure Eredivisie fixtures.
Implications for Club and International Career
For Maarten Paes, cementing a path into the starting eleven at a historic club like Ajax carries immense implications. Beyond fulfilling personal ambitions at the club level, regular minutes in the Eredivisie are crucial for maintaining peak physical and competitive sharpness. As a linchpin of the Indonesian national team, Paes’s form in Europe directly impacts his readiness for upcoming international duties, including the highly anticipated FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, where the Garuda squad is set to face formidable regional opponents in Group A, alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh.
The immediate focus, however, remains squarely on Sunday’s fixture against Fortuna Sittard. Whether manager Mitchel decides to reward Paes’s stellar training performance with a starting cap or elects to stick with Ter Stegen will serve as a telling indicator of the internal competition strategy at Ajax. Regardless of the decision, Paes has successfully signaled that he is more than a mere understudy—he is a battle-ready competitor prepared to seize any opportunity to protect the Ajax goal.
