Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez has described Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare as a special player. He also praised their relationship following Ajax’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday, Bold Sports reports.
The Spanish manager expressed his admiration for Arokodare after the Super Eagles forward helped Ajax secure their first victory in the competition’s league phase. Sánchez highlighted their strong relationship and the importance of having players who work hard for the team.
Arokodare has scored seven goals for Ajax across all competitions this season. His tally includes four Eredivisie goals and three in the UEFA Conference League. His latest contribution against Atalanta further underlined his attacking value.
Sánchez explains his relationship with Arokodare
Speaking after the match, Sánchez explained his decision to introduce the Nigerian striker during the second half.
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“I brought him on to create more threat in the penalty area. Sometimes you make substitutions and they don’t work out well, but the return of the players who came off the bench brought about the improvement for me,” he said, as quoted by ESPN.
The substitution paid off when Arokodare broke the deadlock in the 87th minute. The striker then helped set up Abdellah Ouazane’s stoppage-time goal.
However, Sánchez’s post-match comments extended beyond the Nigerian’s contribution on the pitch. The coach also spoke about his personal connection with the forward and his appreciation for the entire squad.
“I have a great relationship with all the players. Tolu is a special player, as I have already said, and I have a very good relationship with him. But also with the rest of the team. I am lucky to have a team that works very hard day in and day out. Managing these kinds of players is sometimes not easy, but they help enormously. They make my job much easier.”
Arokodare continues to earn Sánchez’s trust
Arokodare entered the Atalanta match in the 66th minute at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Youri Baas supplied the long pass that led to his opening goal, while Ouazane completed the scoring in stoppage time.
The victory also gave Ajax their first three points in the Conference League’s league phase. They had lost their opening match 2-1 against Hajduk Split.
Arokodare joined Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2026. The agreement includes an option for the Dutch club to make his transfer permanent.
His growing contribution gives Sánchez another attacking option as Ajax continue their domestic and European campaigns. The coach’s latest remarks also underline the importance he places on the Nigerian striker and the wider squad.
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