Jaydon Banel reflects on his scoring return to Ajax

Jaydon Banel enjoyed a scoring return to Ajax on Sunday during Burnley’s latest pre-season outing.

The 21-year-old came through the youth ranks with the Dutch giants, joining the club in 2012 and only leaving last year when he joined the Clarets.

That 14-year spell at the Johann Cruyff arena made his return all the more sweeter as he scored during the Clarets’ 2-1 defeat.

“Yes, a very good moment for me,” he told the Burnley Express. “But also for my friends and family that they get to see me again in this arena.

“Unfortunately, we didn't win, so that's unfortunate.

“But for me, I was like: ‘today is back in the arena’, so I need to show what I can do.

“This time I played in the striker role, when normally I'm the winger. So for me it was a little bit like: ‘okay, how can I adapt to this?’. But no, I very enjoyed this moment.”

Playing without a recognised number nine, Banel was the man that led the line from the start with Jacob Bruun Larsen and Marcus Edwards either side of him.

While it’s not his preferred role, the Dutchman was satisfied with his efforts, adding: “I’ve played that role before in the youth teams, so I had to adapt.

“But no, I think I did well. My pressing was good and getting on the ball I was okay.”

Banel’s goal, which temporarily brought Burnley back on level terms in Amsterdam, came in unusual fashion.

Ajax were angry their penalty appeals had been ignored at one end of the pitch, before Burnley went up the other end and levelled immediately - with Banel diverting Luca Koleosho’s cross beyond the goalkeeper.

Despite there being a whiff of offside about the strike, the goal was allowed to stand.

“First of all, I thought I just had to hit the ball,” Banel said. “Eventually everybody thought I was outside, but it went back to the net, so it's good.”