Dutch legends hand Tolu Arokodare clear verdict on Ajax striker battle

Tolu Arokodare has received a major vote of confidence from three Dutch football legends, with Rafael van der Vaart, Wim Kieft and Theo Janssen backing the Nigerian as Ajax’s first-choice striker.

The Super Eagles forward has impressed since joining Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan in July, with the Amsterdam club holding an option to make the transfer permanent for €22 million in 2027.

His strong start has now earned the approval of three respected figures in Dutch football, who believe his physical presence, link-up play and direct approach make him the best option for Ajax’s attack.

Van der Vaart questions Arokodare substitution

Arokodare has started regularly under head coach Míchel Sánchez and has scored five goals in eight appearances across the Eredivisie and Conference League.

His performance against PSV Eindhoven on September 5 particularly caught Van der Vaart’s attention, despite Ajax losing 3-1 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Arokodare levelled the game after 23 minutes but was substituted early in the second half for Kasper Dolberg, a decision Van der Vaart questioned.

“I thought that was a strange substitution. Things were going fine and he had scored. Then trust him and leave him on for once,” Van der Vaart said, according to Goal.

Kieft backs Nigerian over competition

Former Netherlands striker Wim Kieft went a step further by effectively declaring Arokodare Ajax’s leading option at centre-forward for now.

Kieft highlighted the Nigerian’s ability to use his size and strength while warning that his game should not be judged by qualities he does not need to provide.

“With the qualities he has, you also have to judge him that way. He is big and strong, you can play the ball into him,” Kieft said.

“You should not expect him to dribble, but what he has to do, he does extremely well.”

Janssen praises Arokodare’s all-round game

Theo Janssen also identified qualities beyond Arokodare’s goalscoring, particularly his ability to bring teammates into play and make runs beyond the defence.

“What is nice about this striker is that he can also control balls around the halfway line,” Janssen said.

“He is so calm, can hold people off, lays the ball off simply and then sprints towards goal again.

“He does not have to do any crazy things at all. I really think he is a good striker.”

Arokodare has since featured in Ajax’s 5-1 win at Fortuna Sittard, where his header struck the crossbar before Thilo Kehrer converted the rebound.

He missed Tuesday’s 5-1 victory over Willem II after Sánchez revealed he had been suffering from a fever, remaining an unused substitute.

The 25-year-old has two Eredivisie goals and one assist in five league appearances, alongside three Conference League goals.

His availability for Saturday’s trip to Excelsior will be closely watched before he joins the Super Eagles for their September AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.