When Maarten Stekelenburg left Everton in the summer to return to Ajax, it was only ever in the likelihood he would play in a backup capacity to Andre Onana.
According to SportWitness, the ex-Everton shot-stopper was more than aware he was re-joining the Eredivisie at the end of his career with little prospect of regular football.
Indeed, the ‘keeper citied family reasons as a major differential for a move back to the Netherlands, having played for over nine years elsewhere in Europe.
The 38-year-old, in good conscience knowing he would have his imprint left on the Ajax bench, would surely have failed to foresee the present circumstances.
Cameroonian international Onana is at the heart of a controversial doping case that has seen him banned from competitive football for a year.
After mistakenly taking medication prescribed to his wife, a major dispute between FIFA, Ajax and the player’s entourage looks certain to emerge.
In that void, Ajax are relying upon Stekelenburg to step up in Onana’s absence – something relished by Stekelenburg.
Former teammate Urby Emanuelson believes it is something he should be praised for, given he could have easily stayed at Goodison Park and seen out his career as a Toffee.
Instead, the former Netherlands international chose difference over expediency:
“What could have been easier for Maarten Stekelenburg to end his career after his time at Everton, where he has not played in recent years?” he told Het Parool, relayed by Ajax Showtime.
“He didn’t, and now look where he stands.
“He plays in the Europa League and still has a great record to his name: that of the oldest Ajax player of all time in the Eredivisie.”
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Niche records aside, there is something to be admired about Stekelenburg’s embracing of Ajax.
He has no qualms about playing regular football and has served his family through a Dutch return.
Everton fans may be pleased to see their former man back in the spotlight, even if it has arisen in acrimonious circumstances.
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