‘Just let him play’ – Frank de Boer sends message to Ajax over Tolu Arokodare

Ajax Amsterdam legend Frank de Boer has urged the Dutch giants to give Tolu Arokodare time to prove his worth, warning against placing unrealistic expectations on the Nigerian striker by comparing him with Dutch greats Marco van Basten and Patrick Kluivert.

Arokodare has made an encouraging start to life at Ajax following his summer loan move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 11 appearances across all competitions.

Despite starting only six of those matches, the 25-year-old has quickly established himself as a useful attacking option for the Eredivisie club after struggling to make a significant impact during his spell in the Premier League.

De Boer, who enjoyed a distinguished career with Ajax as both a player and manager, believes the striker has shown enough technical ability to warrant patience as he continues to settle into his new surroundings.

The former Netherlands international has also stressed the importance of providing Arokodare with the right service, particularly through crosses from the flanks, to maximise his strengths in the penalty area.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport, via Ajax Showtime, De Boer cautioned against judging the Nigerian against the standards set by some of the most celebrated forwards in Dutch football history.

“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,” he said.

“I have seen some great things. So just let him play.”

De Boer identifies key to unlocking Arokodare

Arokodare’s scoring record suggests he has adapted well to life in Amsterdam, with his seven goals and two assists coming despite limited starts.

His performances have offered Ajax encouragement that the forward can become an important figure in their attack, particularly if the team can consistently create the opportunities he needs to thrive.

De Boer believes the club should focus on making the most of Arokodare’s qualities rather than burdening him with comparisons to Van Basten and Kluivert, two strikers whose achievements have left a lasting mark on Dutch football.

Van Basten won three Ballon d’Or awards, while Kluivert became one of the most recognisable Dutch forwards of his generation after emerging at Ajax before moving to Barcelona.

For Arokodare, the challenge is to establish his own identity and maintain his promising start rather than attempt to live up to the reputations of those celebrated names.

The Nigerian was handed another opportunity to impress on Thursday when Ajax faced HNK Hajduk Split in the UEFA Conference League in Croatia.

He played the entire 90 minutes but failed to add to his goal tally, although De Boer’s comments suggest the former Ajax defender remains encouraged by what he has seen from the striker.

Loan spell offers Arokodare a fresh opportunity

Arokodare joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window, with the agreement including an option for the Dutch club to make the move permanent.

The switch provides the Nigeria international with an opportunity to revive his career after a difficult spell at Wolves, where he struggled to establish himself as a consistent attacking force.

His early contribution in Amsterdam has given Ajax reason to consider his long-term potential, although his future beyond the current campaign remains uncertain.

Arokodare is contracted to Wolves until June 30, 2029, meaning Ajax would need to exercise their purchase option to secure his services permanently.