Fitness doubts linger for Leonardo after goalless night vs Shelbourne

On Thursday evening at Ajax’s home ground, striker Marcos Leonardo completed a goalless spell against the Ierse club Shelbourne, prompting former Nederlands international Ronald de Boer to question the Braziliaan’s fitness after the Brazilian striker missed three clear chances in the Conference League qualifier. The lack of a goal sparked immediate concern among the coaching staff.

De Boer said: “Leonardo had three chances and missed all three. I am not happy with this,” adding that the Braziliaan-spits’s lack of fitness is worrying for the club. His comments highlighted the disappointment felt by the Dutch former international.

He further explained that the former Al‑Hilal-aanvaller must lose three kilos and is “currently not a fit player,” suggesting that weight could be a factor in the missed opportunities. The emphasis on physical condition underscored the urgency of the issue.

Verweij dismisses Ajax interest in Danjuma amid swirling Dutch rumors

The goalless display reminded observers of Leonardo’s earlier outing against FK Vojvodina, where he also failed to convert any chance, reinforcing De Boer’s concerns about the striker’s clinical sharpness. That previous performance added weight to the current criticism.

Ajax dominated the two‑legged tie but allowed the main duel to slip in the closing stages, meaning the team’s superiority did not translate into a comfortable result. The dominance without a decisive finish left the side uneasy.

Leonardo arrived this transfer window for a modest fee of twenty million euros from Saudi Arabia. Since his arrival, he has taken part in two official Conference League qualification matches and found the net in a friendly against FC Volendam.

According to Jordi Cruijff, the underlying fitness problem is being addressed, and the striker could regain his sharpness once the necessary adjustments are implemented.