Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has received praise from former Ajax midfielder Marciano Vink after his impressive start on loan at the Dutch club, Naijapiz.com reports.
Arokodare joined Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan this summer, with the Amsterdam club holding the option to buy him permanently.
The 25-year-old has wasted no time making an impact, scoring five goals in eight appearances across all competitions for Ajax this season while also providing two assists.
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His quick start has already shifted perceptions about his move to Amsterdam, with Vink admitting Arokodare’s immediate influence exceeds expectations.
Ajax legend highlights Tolu Arokodare’s biggest strength
While Arokodare’s goals have naturally drawn the most attention, Vink believes there is much more to the Nigerian forward’s game than just his physicality.
The former Ajax midfielder was especially impressed by a particular skill from Arokodare, who controlled the ball on his chest before attempting to finish with his left foot.
“That chance for Tolu, which he controlled on his chest and then shot wide with his left,” the 55-year-old said in quotes revealed by Livescore.
“He took it a bit too much on the outside of his foot this time, causing it to go wide,” Vink continued.
Vink was impressed by how Arokodare executed the move in tight space, especially considering the striker’s hefty build.
“But that is really impressive, in tight space for such a big and strong guy.
“It's a good thing the ball didn't go straight into the top corner, because then it would be the goal of the year,” he added.
“That whole move shows so much footballing class.”
Vink surprised by Arokodare’s quick impact at Ajax
Arokodare came to Ajax after a tough spell at Wolves, where he scored six goals in 38 appearances during the 2025-26 season.
His return to the Netherlands has already told a different story, with the striker contributing five goals and two assists despite limited playing time.
Vink admitted that Arokodare’s early influence has surpassed expectations.
“I didn't expect him to make such an immediate impact,” the former Ajax midfielder said.
However, the Dutchman noted one area where Arokodare could improve.“Only the heading could be a bit better, but that move reveals a lot. He can really play football well for such a strong, big player,” the one-time UEFA Europa League winner added.
The Nigerian’s stats make his quick adaptation even more impressive. Arokodare has needed only 355 minutes to record his five goals and two assists, averaging roughly a goal contribution every 71 minutes for Ajax this season.
His European performances have also been important, with three of his five goals coming in the Conference League, and his two Eredivisie goals scored against Telstar and PSV Eindhoven.
For a player who arrived on loan with doubts about how fast he could adapt to Ajax’s standards, Arokodare is already providing a strong answer.
With Vink highlighting a part of his game that goes beyond his physicality and goal-scoring, the Super Eagles striker is starting to show why Ajax wanted to bring him back to the Netherlands, and he’s making a case for the Dutch club to make the deal permanent next summer.
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