Arokodare’s Ajax role explained: Where the Nigerian striker fits in Michel’s attack

Super Eagles and Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare has revealed he already understands how he can contribute to the Dutch giants, Afrik-Foot reports.

Arokodare’s arrival gives Ajax a different attacking option, particularly because of his physical strength and ability to compete with defenders in direct battles.

That physicality is the most obvious part of his game. At Ajax, however, the challenge will be turning that physical advantage into a consistent weapon within a team that demands more than simply having a big striker in the box.

Arokodare offers Ajax a different profile

The Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee acknowledged the attention surrounding his physique when discussing his game ahead of Ajax’s Conference League game against Shelbourne.

The Nigerian does not see himself as an unusually dominant physical specimen, pointing instead to Premier League defenders such as Dan Burn and Virgil van Dijk as examples of players who can match him physically, but he enjoys that side of the game.

“I’m getting a lot of pleasure out of that,” the 25-year-old said in an interview with Ziggo when discussing his battles with defenders.

Tolu Arokodare voorafgaand aan de clash met Shelbourne! 🇮🇪

⚔️ Shelbourne – Ajax
⏰ Donderdag, vanaf 20:25 uur
🍿 Ziggo Sport 1#ZiggoSport #UECL #SHEAJA pic.twitter.com/czkwbkTIuF

— Ziggo Sport Voetbal (@ZS_Voetbal) August 12, 2026

That willingness to embrace physical duels is a useful tool for Ajax to exploit when matches become difficult to control through possession alone.

A striker capable of competing for long balls, holding off defenders and occupying centre-backs can give an attacking side another route into the final third.

Why his role may initially be limited

The Nigerian has already experienced life at Ajax as an impact substitute rather than an outright starter. He came off the bench in his official debut for the club against PEC Zwolle, registering an assist in 17 minutes.

“Of course you always want to play, but some things are bigger than an individual player,” he explained.

“If I can help the team, I’ll do it,” he added.

That attitude is key. Rather than viewing a substitute role as a setback, Arokodare appears prepared to use his physical qualities against tiring defenders later in matches.

That mentality could make him an important player during a long season in which Ajax will have domestic and European commitments.

More than just a target man

The danger for Arokodare would be being reduced to the image of a traditional target man simply because of his size.

His ability to attack crosses and compete physically can make him a useful option when Ajax need more directness, while his presence can also create space for other attacking players by occupying defenders.

The striker’s comments also suggest that he is comfortable adapting to whatever the team requires rather than demanding a fixed role, and that team-player energy is just as important as his physical qualities.

The trip to Shelbourne is another chance for Arokodare to demonstrate why Ajax brought him to Amsterdam.

The Nigerian acknowledged that Tolka Park is a very different environment from the Johan Cruyff Arena or Old Trafford, but he insisted that the fundamentals remain the same.

“There’s also a football field here. It’s still the same game.”

Arokodare does not need to become the focal point of every match, and the Nigerian appears willing to wait for those opportunities.

If he can turn his physical strength, mentality and willingness to adapt into consistent contributions, his role at Ajax could grow considerably as the season progresses.