‘What a beast’ – Marciano Vink hails Tolu Arokodare after latest Ajax impact

Retired Netherlands international Marciano Vink has once again singled out Tolu Arokodare for praise after the striker made an immediate impact in Ajax Amsterdam’s 2-2 draw with Excelsior in the Eredivisie on Saturday.

Arokodare began the game on the bench after falling ill before the fixture, but his introduction in the 62nd minute quickly changed the complexion of the contest.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee needed only two minutes to make his presence felt, finding the back of the net to help Ajax recover a point in a game where they had been forced to chase the result.

His latest contribution further underlined the Nigerian’s growing influence since moving to the Amsterdam club, despite his limited starts.

Vink impressed by striker’s all-round game

Speaking on De Eretribune, ESPN analyst Vink was particularly impressed by Arokodare’s combination of physical strength and technical quality.

The former Netherlands international believes the 24-year-old possesses an unusual balance for a striker of his stature, arguing that his size does not prevent him from playing with composure and quality on the ball.

“What a beast. Something is really happening. He can also just play football incredibly well. Often with tall players, it looks a bit clumsy,” Vink was quoted as saying by Voetbal Primeur.

“Zlatan, for example, doesn’t have that; he is athletic. But he [Arokodare] is too. He can really play football well.”

Vink’s comparison with Zlatan Ibrahimovic underlines the qualities he sees in Arokodare, particularly the Nigerian’s athleticism and ability to combine his physical attributes with technical skills.

The striker has increasingly shown that he can offer Ajax more than simply a target for direct passes, with his movement, strength and finishing making him a difficult opponent for defenders.

‘He just wins those’ – Vink on Arokodare’s aerial dominance

Arokodare’s ability to compete in the air was another aspect of his performance that caught Vink’s attention.

The striker was involved in aerial battles against Excelsior’s tall defenders Rick Meissen and Casper Widell, but Vink felt Arokodare was more than capable of holding his own against the pair.

“Every club wants him up front right from the start, doesn’t it?

“The energy that man brings and the aerial duels he takes on. He just wins those. It’s beautiful to watch”.

The comments come as Arokodare continues to build a strong statistical return during his spell at Ajax.

Arokodare keeps delivering for Ajax

The Nigerian has now registered six goals and two assists in nine appearances across all competitions for the four-time European champions.

His latest goal also came at a crucial moment, arriving shortly after his introduction and helping Ajax avoid defeat against Excelsior.

Although his illness prevented him from starting Saturday’s encounter, Arokodare once again demonstrated the value he can provide from the bench.

With his goalscoring form, aerial strength and ability to impose himself physically, the striker is increasingly becoming an important attacking option for Ajax as the season progresses.