Tolu Arokodare has earned praise from former Ajax midfielder Marciano Vink after the Nigerian striker impressed during Ajax’s 5-1 Eredivisie win over Fortuna Sittard, Bold Sports
The 25-year-old has made an immediate impression in Amsterdam. He has featured in five Eredivisie matches and three UEFA Conference League games for Ajax this season. He also started the 5-1 victory at Fortuna, where he created an early chance for Oliver Edvardsen.
Vink focused on one particular moment from Arokodare during the convincing victory.
The striker controlled the ball on his chest inside a tight area. He then turned before shooting wide with his left foot.
The finish missed the target. However, Vink saw much more in the move.
”That chance for Tolu, which he controls on his chest and then shoots wide with his left… He took it a bit too much on the outside of his foot this time, causing it to go wide,” Vink said on ESPN’s Dit was het Weekend.
”But that is really impressive, in tight space for such a big and strong guy. It’s a good thing the ball didn’t go straight into the top corner, because then it would be the goal of the year. That whole move reveals so much footballing class.”
Vink admitted that Arokodare has already made a stronger impression than expected.
”I didn’t expect him to make such an immediate impact. Only the heading could be a bit better, but that move reveals a lot. He can really play football well for such a strong, big player.”
Arokodare arrived at Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer. His agreement includes an option for Ajax to make the move permanent.
His start has already given Ajax another physical option in attack. More importantly, his performances have shown that his game extends beyond his strength and aerial ability.
Ajax’s 5-1 victory also underlined the team’s attacking strength. Julian Brandt, Thilo Kehrer, Davy Klaassen, Kasper Dolberg and Youri Baas all scored in the win.
Arokodare’s next challenge will be to maintain his early influence as Ajax continue their Eredivisie campaign. His combination of physical power and technical ability has already caught Vink’s attention.
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