Former Ajax defender Frank de Boer has urged supporters to be patient with Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, saying the club should let him develop without heavy expectations.
By: Yetty Aiyedogbon
De Boer was reacting to the buzz around Arokodare at Ajax, where the forward has drawn attention since arriving. He said fans at the club are used to measuring new strikers against Marco van Basten and Patrick Kluivert, which makes it hard for any incoming forward to escape lofty expectations.
“We are used to comparing a striker to Van Basten and Kluivert, but I have also seen a few times that he is technically gifted and that you can make very good use of him. I have seen some great things. So just let him play,” De Boer told Ziggo Sport, according to Ajax Showtime.
Strong start
Arokodare joined Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer on a season-long loan with an option to buy, after a difficult spell in the English Premier League. The 25-year-old has scored seven goals and set up two more in 11 appearances in all competitions, despite starting only six of them.
He played the full 90 minutes of Ajax’s UEFA Conference League away game at Hajduk Split on Thursday but did not score. De Boer believes the club can still get more from him by improving the supply of crosses from the flanks. More balls into the box, he suggested, would suit Arokodare’s style and let him use his strengths.
What next
Arokodare remains under contract at Wolves until 30 June 2029, so Ajax will have to decide whether to use their purchase option when the loan ends. His form in the coming months could shape that decision.
Ajax return to league action on Sunday against Groningen at Euroborg Stadium, where Arokodare could get another chance to impress.
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