Former Ajax Star Predicts Huge Season for Tolu Arokodare After Instant Impact Against Sion
Tolu Arokodare has given Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez another reason to consider handing him a starting role after producing a goal and an assist in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play off victory over FC Sion.
The Nigerian striker came off the bench in the 72nd minute with Ajax level at 2-2 and immediately changed the game as the Dutch giants secured a 4-2 first leg victory in Switzerland.
Arokodare needed only two minutes to make his mark, rising to head Ajax back in front after Abdellah Ouazane’s cross took a deflection on its way into the Nigerian’s path.
The 25 year old then turned provider late in the game, playing Davy Klaassen through before the experienced midfielder lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to complete Ajax’s four goal haul.
His performance has now sparked calls for Sánchez to give the former Genk forward a chance from the start, with former Ajax midfielder Richard Witschge particularly impressed by what he saw from the Nigerian.
Witschge praised Arokodare’s movement and his ability to attack crosses inside the penalty area, highlighting the striker’s physical presence and sharpness in front of goal.
“He deserves a starting spot, I think,” Witschge said.
The former Netherlands international went further with his prediction, suggesting Arokodare could score 25 goals in the Eredivisie if he establishes himself in the starting lineup.
Arokodare joined Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer after struggling for regular opportunities in the Premier League last season.
The move to Amsterdam represents an opportunity for the Nigerian to rebuild his confidence and rediscover the goalscoring form that made him one of the most highly rated strikers in Belgian football.
He had already made an encouraging start to his Ajax career before Thursday’s European performance. The striker also registered an assist after coming off the bench in the club’s opening Eredivisie fixture against PEC Zwolle.
That growing impact from the bench could now make it increasingly difficult for Sánchez to keep him out of the starting lineup.
Arokodare faces competition from Marcos Leonardo and Kasper Dolberg for the centre forward position, but his latest performance has strengthened his case for more playing time.
The challenge now is to turn an impressive cameo into sustained form.
If he can continue producing goals and assists when given opportunities, Ajax may soon have little choice but to make Arokodare a regular starter.
