Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has set a straightforward target for his time at Ajax: score regularly and help the Dutch club secure victories.
Arokodare makes winning start
The 25-year-old Nigeria international moved to Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Amsterdam club retaining the option to sign him permanently.
He made his competitive debut at the weekend during Ajax’s 2-0 win away to Zwolle. Introduced in the 73rd minute, Arokodare made an immediate impact by supplying an assist.
Although he felt Ajax were not at their best from the opening whistle, the striker was pleased with the eventual result and his own contribution.
- Ajax secured a two-goal victory at Zwolle.
- Arokodare played the closing stages after entering as a substitute.
- He recorded an assist during his first official appearance for the club.
“I really enjoyed the experience,” Arokodare said. “We did not begin as well as we wanted, but we ended strongly, scored twice and took the win. Getting my first competitive minutes was a good feeling, and contributing an assist made it even better.”
Ready for any role
Arokodare also made clear that he is not unsettled by beginning matches on the substitutes’ bench. He said the collective requirements of the side and the manager’s tactical choices must take priority over a player’s personal preference.
While every footballer would prefer to start, he acknowledged that other considerations can be more important, including the team’s needs, tactical planning and possible physical factors.
- He accepts that selection decisions may depend on the team’s tactical approach.
- Physical considerations can also influence whether he starts or comes on later.
- He intends to give his maximum effort whether selected from the beginning or used as a substitute.
“Every player wants to be in the starting XI, but football sometimes demands that other matters come first,” he said. “The team plan and tactical decisions can determine the choice, and there may also be physical reasons. I entered from the bench and carried out my task.”
He added that he would embrace a substitute’s role throughout the campaign if that is what Ajax require, while promising the same commitment whenever he is named in the starting line-up. His personal objectives remain scoring goals and helping the team win.
Chasing Ajax’s ambitions
Arokodare revealed that Ajax technical director Jordi Cruijff was a significant influence in persuading him to make the move. Cruijff outlined his vision for the squad and the team he hopes to develop.
The striker described Ajax as the Netherlands’ biggest club, while acknowledging that the team’s performances over the past several seasons have fallen short of expectations.
He said he is prepared to help restore the club to the level demanded by its history, with the ambitions of becoming champions and lifting every trophy available in the competitions Ajax enters.
“Jordi Cruijff explained the side he wants to create,” Arokodare said. “Ajax is the biggest club in the country, even though the last few years have not been ideal. I am ready to pursue those ambitions: winning the league and competing to win every tournament we take part in.”
