Ruud Gullit questions Míchel Sánchez over Tolu Arokodare’s limited role at Ajax

Ruud Gullit has questioned Míchel Sánchez’s handling of Tolu Arokodare at Ajax, warning that the manager’s apparent nervousness could have a negative effect on the entire squad as the club struggles to find consistency in the Eredivisie.

The Netherlands legend is puzzled by Sánchez’s decision to repeatedly leave the Nigerian striker out of the starting line-up despite his impressive return in front of goal since arriving on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer.

Arokodare has registered seven goals and two assists in 10 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of Ajax’s most productive attacking players this season.

However, his contributions have not translated into a regular starting role, with the forward starting only four Eredivisie matches and completing the full 90 minutes just once, against Telstar.

Gullit believes the inconsistent selection raises questions about the manager’s approach, particularly given the striker’s ability to deliver goals.

Gullit baffled by Arokodare’s treatment

Speaking on Rondo, the football discussion programme on Ziggo Sport, Gullit expressed his confusion over Sánchez’s handling of the Nigerian international.

“That big striker (Tolu Arokodare, ed.) scores goals every time, then he’s on the bench again, and then not again. I don’t quite understand it,” Gullit said, via FC Update.

The former Netherlands captain’s comments highlight the contrast between Arokodare’s impressive output and his limited opportunities to lead Ajax’s attack from the start.

For a striker who has consistently contributed to the team’s goals, the lack of regular starts has raised questions about how Sánchez intends to utilise him as the season progresses.

Gullit also expressed concern about the manager’s demeanour, suggesting that apparent nervousness could extend beyond the dugout and affect the wider squad.

His assessment places further scrutiny on Sánchez’s management at a time when Ajax need greater stability and consistency in their performances.

Ajax struggle despite Nigerian striker’s form

While Arokodare has enjoyed a productive start to his spell in Amsterdam, Ajax have found it difficult to maintain their expected standards in the Eredivisie.

The Dutch giants have dropped points in three home matches against Heerenveen, Excelsior and NEC, results that have increased the pressure on the team to improve.

Their struggles have come despite Arokodare’s ability to provide a reliable source of goals and assists, leaving questions over whether he should be given a more prominent role in the attack.

The Nigerian’s seven goals and two assists across 10 appearances underline his effectiveness, although his limited league starts mean he has yet to enjoy an extended run as the team’s first-choice striker.

A more consistent role could give Arokodare the opportunity to build on his promising form, while offering Sánchez another option as Ajax attempt to address their attacking and results-related concerns.

Arokodare eyes bigger role as Ajax seek revival

Arokodare will be keen to maintain his scoring form and strengthen his case for more regular involvement in the starting line-up.

His immediate challenge is to continue delivering whenever called upon, particularly as Ajax seek to recover from their inconsistent beginning to the campaign.

For Sánchez, deciding how best to deploy the striker could become an important consideration as the club looks to regain momentum in the Eredivisie.

Gullit’s criticism adds to the debate surrounding the manager’s selection decisions, with Arokodare’s performances providing a compelling argument for greater involvement.

Whether the Ajax boss responds by handing the Nigerian more starts remains to be seen, but the striker’s early-season numbers have already made him difficult to overlook.

With Ajax searching for consistency and Arokodare continuing to produce in front of goal, Sánchez’s handling of the forward could prove increasingly significant in the weeks ahead.