Former Dutch Eredivisie forward Anco Jansen has backed Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare to make a big impact at Ajax after praising the Nigerian’s encouraging start to life with the Dutch giants, Footynaija.com reports.
Arokodare joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, with the Eredivisie club holding an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.
The 25-year-old wasted little time announcing himself in Amsterdam, coming off the bench to score in Ajax’s 3-1 pre-season victory over FC Volendam after replacing Marcos Leonardo in the closing stages.
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Reflecting on Ajax’s attacking options during ESPN’s Voetbalpraat, Jansen admitted he had been pleasantly surprised by the Super Eagles forward, whose all-round display exceeded his expectations.
“Everyone said about that Tolu: he is a beast, of course. But I actually found him much better on the pitch than what was said about him beforehand,” Jansen said, as quoted by FC Update.
Jansen’s comments came while assessing Ajax’s striker department, with the former FC Zwolle and NAC Breda forward also suggesting he has been less impressed by Marcos Leonardo’s early performances since the Brazilian’s arrival.
Arokodare’s goal against Volendam remains his only appearance for Ajax so far, with the Nigerian striker an unused substitute in Thursday’s 3-1 UEFA Conference League qualifying victory over Shelbourne.
However, with the new season fast approaching and competition for places expected to intensify, the Super Eagles forward will be hoping to build on the positive impression he has already made and establish himself as a key figure in Ajax’s attack.
