Former Torino defender Perr Schuurs has admitted that Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare gave him a different kind of challenge after their meeting in the Eredivisie, with the Nigerian striker’s physical presence leaving a lasting impression on the Dutch centre-back, Footynaija.com reports.
Schuurs came up against Arokodare when Ajax played out a 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday, with the Wolves loanee producing a powerful header that caught the attention of his opponent.
The 26-year-old defender, who spent four years in Dutch football before moving to Torino in Italy, said Arokodare exceeded his expectations once the game got underway.
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“I had already expected a lot. But when the match started, it was actually even more than I had thought beforehand,” Schuurs said, per quotes on Livescore.
His assessment went beyond the Nigerian’s goal, with the defender explaining that Arokodare’s approach to the centre-forward role makes him a particularly awkward opponent for defenders to contain.
Schuurs has faced some formidable strikers during his career, including Romelu Lukaku in Italy, but believes the Belgian offers a different challenge from the Super Eagles forward.
“Honestly, no. I played in the Eredivisie for four years and I had never come up against a striker like that. And in Italy you do not often see this type either,” he said.
“People mention Lukaku, but he is still a different type of player. Tolu wants the ball on his chest or in the air more often.”
Arokodare’s ability to compete for aerial balls and bring direct passes under control gives Ajax another attacking dimension, particularly when opponents attempt to push their defensive line forward.
The 25-year-old joined the Amsterdam club on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July, with Ajax retaining an option to make the move permanent.
His latest display against NEC adds to an encouraging start in the Netherlands, where he has continued to make his presence felt in the final third. Arokodare will hope to maintain his current momentum and strengthen his case to become Ajax’s first choice striker while keeping himself in contention for further opportunities with the Super Eagles.
