Tolu Arokodare: 2 reasons Nigerian striker isn’t starting games at Ajax

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare is fast becoming a fan favourite at Ajax after settling into life in the Dutch capital, but his gametime is still a concern.

The Nigerian forward has turned a horrific time at Wolves into a blooming season in Amsterdam, in the hopes of sealing a permanent move at the end of the season,

Arokodare has impressed with his goalscoring contributions, finding the back of the net nine times and providing three assists in 14 games for Ajax.

However, his performances have not translated into a consistent place in coach Míchel Sánchez’s starting XI.

The situation has now sparked debate among Dutch football pundits, with ex-Ajax stars Theo Janssen and Nordin Amrabat offering different explanations for the Nigerian’s inconsistent selection.

Their comments raise two questions about what is keeping the 25-year-old from becoming Ajax’s first-choice striker.

Why Tolu Arokodare is not starting regularly at Ajax

1. Ajax’s investment in Marcos Leonardo could influence selection

Former Netherlands international Theo Janssen believes financial considerations may be playing a role in the competition between Arokodare and Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo.

Speaking on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo, Janssen suggested that Ajax’s decision to sign Leonardo from Al-Hilal for €20m, while bringing Arokodare in on loan, could influence how the two forwards are treated.

“It has to do with money that he doesn’t always play,” the 45-year-old said in quotes revealed by Headtopics.

The analyst questioned whether the coach alone determined the allocation of playing time, pointing to the difference between a permanent signing and a loan player.

Janssen was not the only pundit impressed by the Nigerian. Ruud Gullit and André Ooijer also expressed support for Arokodare, with Ooijer believing the striker deserved a starting place.

However, Janssen’s argument remains an opinion rather than proof that Ajax’s transfer investment is influencing Sánchez’s decisions. The coach has not confirmed that financial considerations are behind Arokodare’s limited starts.

Instead, what Sánchez previously said was that the former Genk striker was struggling with finishing games as his fitness levels still need work.

2. Questions over his pressing and stamina

While Janssen focused on the financial side, Nordin Amrabat identified a potential concern with Arokodare’s work rate late in matches.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on Tolu. After sixty minutes, he doesn’t press anymore. Then he is tired,” the Moroccan said.

The observation raises questions about whether the Nigerian can sustain the intensity required for Sánchez’s approach over 90 minutes.

It also echoes an explanation previously offered by the Ajax coach. Before the Eredivisie meeting with FC Groningen, Sánchez said Arokodare had a heavy match workload and struggled to finish games at 100%.

That suggests fitness and workload are considerations the coach makes in his selection decisions, although Amrabat’s assessment remains an individual observation rather than a definitive measure of Arokodare’s stamina.

Can Arokodare win a regular starting place?

Arokodare’s goals and ability to influence matches give him a strong case for more opportunities, but he must also convince Sánchez that he can maintain his intensity throughout games.

The Nigerian’s immediate challenge is to turn his impact off the bench into consistent performances from the start. If he can do that while improving his fitness levels, he’ll be an undisputed starter in little to no time.