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Tolu Arokodare may have given Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez a new selection problem after making a strong impact from the bench against FC Sion, Footynaija reports.
The Nigerian striker scored and assisted in Ajax’s 4-2 win in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff tie. His display has led former Ajax midfielder Richard Witschge to call for a starting role for the 25-year-old.
Arokodare came on at half-time for Marcos Leonardo and needed only a short time to make his mark. He headed in a deflected cross from fellow substitute Abdellah Ouazane to put Ajax ahead.
He was involved again late in the game. Arokodare played a pass through to Davy Klaassen, who lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to complete Ajax’s fourth goal.
Witschge was impressed by the striker’s ability to attack the ball and finish chances.
“There is a beast up front. It is incredible how that ball reaches him; it is not easy to head it like that. He gets in well, is sharp, and then heads it in nicely,” Witschge said, as per AST.
The former Netherlands international believes Ajax could benefit from giving Arokodare more responsibility in the Eredivisie.
“He deserves a starting spot, I think. I don’t know how fit he is, but if he steps up, I’m afraid he’ll just score 25 in the Eredivisie.”
Arokodare joined Ajax this summer on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers after a difficult spell in the Premier League. He struggled to establish himself at Wolves and will now hope his move to the Netherlands can give him a fresh start.
His performance against Sion could help change his role at Ajax. Sánchez must now decide whether to continue with Arokodare as an impact substitute or give him the chance to lead the attack from the start.
Regular football and goals could be the key to rebuilding Arokodare’s confidence and becoming an important player for Ajax.
