By Dorcas Francis Koji
Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has praised the technical quality of Eredivisie defenders after opening his league scoring account for Ajax in their emphatic 4-0 victory over Telstar on Sunday.
The Nigerian striker came off the bench to score Ajax’s third goal in the 60th minute, helping the Dutch giants secure a convincing away victory in Velsen-Zuid.
Davy Klaassen had put Ajax ahead in the 37th minute before Steven Berghuis doubled the visitors’ advantage shortly after the restart.
Arokodare then added his name to the scoresheet in the 60th minute, finishing off a move involving Berghuis to make it 3-0.
Substitute Marcos Leonardo completed the rout in the 78th minute as Ajax secured all three points in impressive fashion.
Speaking to ESPN interviewer Hans Kraay Jr. after the match, Arokodare reflected on the physical nature of the encounter and compared it with some of his previous matches in the Netherlands.
“I do not know what you want me to say. Today presented a different profile than what I encountered in previous matches. It was more physical; it was a good battle. That was something the fans enjoyed seeing,” Arokodare said, according to Voetbalprimeur.
The Super Eagles forward also highlighted the technical quality of defenders in the Eredivisie, noting that the league’s emphasis on possession and footballing ability makes matches challenging for attackers.
“I think the Eredivisie defenders are technically gifted. Everyone here wants to play football, but I have nothing to say about other people. I focus on myself and the team,” he said.
Arokodare is also competing with fellow striker Marcos Leonardo for the central attacking role at Ajax.
However, the Nigerian dismissed any suggestion of tension between the two forwards, pointing to Leonardo’s immediate impact after coming off the bench against Telstar.
“I do not think I am nervous, and I do not think he is nervous either. It does not matter to him who starts, as you saw today. He comes on and scores. I do not think there is any nervousness between the two of us,” Arokodare said.
The goal against Telstar takes Arokodare’s competitive tally for Ajax to four goals this season.
Three of his goals have come in the UEFA Conference League, while his strike against Telstar was his first in the Eredivisie. He has also registered two assists during the campaign.
Arokodare will now hope to build on his impressive start and strengthen his position in Ajax’s attacking plans as the season progresses.
For Nigeria, his growing form in the Netherlands could also provide another positive option in the Super Eagles’ attack as the team prepares for upcoming international assignments.
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