Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit has questioned Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez’s handling of Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, expressing surprise at the forward’s inconsistent selection despite his impressive goalscoring form.
Arokodare joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July and has made an encouraging start, recording seven goals and two assists in 10 appearances across all competitions, according to the original report.
Despite those contributions, the Nigeria international has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. He has started only four Eredivisie matches and completed the full 90 minutes just once, against Telstar.
Speaking on Rondo, a football discussion programme on Ziggo Sport, Gullit questioned why Sánchez repeatedly left the striker out of his starting line-up.
“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.
The former Netherlands international also criticised the Ajax coach’s apparent nervousness on the touchline, suggesting that his demeanour could affect the team’s atmosphere.
“I get nervous watching that coach. He is not sitting on the bench and is standing there nervously. He makes a nervous impression, and that is not what you want,” Gullit said, according to FC Update.
Ajax have endured an inconsistent start to the campaign, dropping points at home against Heerenveen, Excelsior and NEC Nijmegen, raising questions about their performances under Sánchez.
Gullit nevertheless expressed hope that the Amsterdam club would remain competitive in the title race, noting that a strong Ajax would also benefit Dutch football.
For Arokodare, maintaining his scoring record could strengthen his case for more regular playing time as Ajax seek greater consistency in the Eredivisie.
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