‘You will get a killer’ – Former PSV defender explains why Tolu Arokodare is thriving at Ajax

Former PSV Eindhoven defender Jan Wuytens believes Tolu Arokodare’s strong start at Ajax is a product of the striker’s unique qualities and the Dutch club’s playing style.

Arokodare has quickly rediscovered his best form since moving to Ajax on a season-long loan from English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old Nigerian endured a difficult debut season in England after joining Wolves in 2025 following an impressive spell at Belgian club Genk, where he won the Ebony Shoe award.

His struggles coincided with Wolves’ disappointing campaign, which ended with the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

However, Arokodare has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since returning to the Netherlands, with his performances for Ajax suggesting he is once again playing with confidence and freedom.

Arokodare finds his rhythm at Ajax

The Super Eagles striker impressed during pre-season and has carried that form into the new campaign.

He has scored five goals and provided two assists in eight appearances across all competitions, while playing an important role in Ajax’s successful qualification for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.

Arokodare was unavailable for Tuesday night’s 5-1 victory over Willem II after falling ill. Although he was named among the substitutes, he was not fit enough to make an appearance as Ajax secured a convincing win without their in-form forward.

His early impact, however, has attracted praise from Wuytens, who previously worked with the Nigerian at Genk as an assistant manager.

Wuytens believes Ajax’s football has provided an environment in which Arokodare can maximise his strengths, particularly because of the similarities between the Dutch club’s approach and what he experienced at Genk.

“Tolu has a very special profile, he is a unique boy”, Wuytens began.

“When he came, he had to get used to our way of playing. We played a kind of Ajax football, with high pressure. He had a really hard time with that at the beginning: constantly making those sprint meters in pressing.”

‘You will get a killer on the field’

According to Wuytens, Arokodare eventually adapted to the demands at Genk and became increasingly effective once the team found ways to utilise his physical attributes.

“But in his second season, Tolu really got loose at Genk, also because we started using him much more in his power.”

The former PSV defender believes Arokodare’s combination of strength, pace and aerial ability makes him particularly difficult to contain when used correctly.

“We started training more on crosses, throwing balls in the box. There Tolu is just unstoppable. He is very good in air, and also quite fast, then you have to bring him into his strength”, he continued.

Wuytens also stressed the importance of managing Arokodare correctly, arguing that the striker performs best when given enough structure to express his individual qualities.

“He’s a special boy. He has a kind of magic, that he can win everyone over at certain clubs.”

“As a trainer, you really have to hit the right string with him, the perfect string, and you have to keep hitting it, to get him consistent. If you do that, you will get a killer on the field.”

Ajax hoping Arokodare returns quickly

Wuytens further explained how Arokodare’s ability to hold up the ball can benefit teammates around him, particularly when Ajax supply him with crosses.

“He is holding the ball so strong that the rest can join. If you feed him with crosses, and people walking around him, he is a very interesting player”, he concluded.

Arokodare will now hope to recover in time for Ajax’s meeting with Excelsior this weekend as they look to maintain their momentum and close the gap on PSV at the top of the Eredivisie.

Beyond his club commitments, the striker will also be keen to regain full fitness ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month.

Former PSV Eindhoven defender Jan Wuytens believes Tolu Arokodare’s strong start at Ajax is a product of the striker’s unique qualities and the Dutch club’s playing style.

Arokodare has quickly rediscovered his best form since moving to Ajax on a season-long loan from English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old Nigerian endured a difficult debut season in England after joining Wolves in 2025 following an impressive spell at Belgian club Genk, where he won the Ebony Shoe award.

His struggles coincided with Wolves’ disappointing campaign, which ended with the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

However, Arokodare has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since returning to the Netherlands, with his performances for Ajax suggesting he is once again playing with confidence and freedom.

Arokodare finds his rhythm at Ajax

The Super Eagles striker impressed during pre-season and has carried that form into the new campaign.

He has scored five goals and provided two assists in eight appearances across all competitions, while playing an important role in Ajax’s successful qualification for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.

Arokodare was unavailable for Tuesday night’s 5-1 victory over Willem II after falling ill. Although he was named among the substitutes, he was not fit enough to make an appearance as Ajax secured a convincing win without their in-form forward.

His early impact, however, has attracted praise from Wuytens, who previously worked with the Nigerian at Genk as an assistant manager.

Wuytens believes Ajax’s football has provided an environment in which Arokodare can maximise his strengths, particularly because of the similarities between the Dutch club’s approach and what he experienced at Genk.

“Tolu has a very special profile, he is a unique boy”, Wuytens began.

“When he came, he had to get used to our way of playing. We played a kind of Ajax football, with high pressure. He had a really hard time with that at the beginning: constantly making those sprint meters in pressing.”

‘You will get a killer on the field’

According to Wuytens, Arokodare eventually adapted to the demands at Genk and became increasingly effective once the team found ways to utilise his physical attributes.

“But in his second season, Tolu really got loose at Genk, also because we started using him much more in his power.”

The former PSV defender believes Arokodare’s combination of strength, pace and aerial ability makes him particularly difficult to contain when used correctly.

“We started training more on crosses, throwing balls in the box. There Tolu is just unstoppable. He is very good in air, and also quite fast, then you have to bring him into his strength”, he continued.

Wuytens also stressed the importance of managing Arokodare correctly, arguing that the striker performs best when given enough structure to express his individual qualities.

“He’s a special boy. He has a kind of magic, that he can win everyone over at certain clubs.”

“As a trainer, you really have to hit the right string with him, the perfect string, and you have to keep hitting it, to get him consistent. If you do that, you will get a killer on the field.”

Ajax hoping Arokodare returns quickly

Wuytens further explained how Arokodare’s ability to hold up the ball can benefit teammates around him, particularly when Ajax supply him with crosses.

“He is holding the ball so strong that the rest can join. If you feed him with crosses, and people walking around him, he is a very interesting player”, he concluded.

Arokodare will now hope to recover in time for Ajax’s meeting with Excelsior this weekend as they look to maintain their momentum and close the gap on PSV at the top of the Eredivisie.

Beyond his club commitments, the striker will also be keen to regain full fitness ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month.