Tolu Arokodare: Why Ajax coach is still unhappy despite Super Eagles star’s goals

Tolu Arokodare scored the winner in Ajax’s 2-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam, but coach Míchel Sánchez was reportedly unhappy with the Nigerian striker’s performance.

Former Brighton defender Hans Kraay Jr. witnessed the coach’s frustration during the Eredivisie match at Spartastadion Het Kasteel on October 25.

Arokodare struck in first-half stoppage time to seal the win and take his tally to nine goals in 14 appearances for Ajax since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan.

His goals have impressed, but Míchel wants more from the 25-year-old when Ajax are out of possession.

Tolu Arokodare: Kraay Jr reveals Ajax coach’s frustration

Kraay Jr., who sat directly behind Míchel during the match, said the Ajax coach was frustrated with Tolu Arokodare’s pressing and movement throughout the game.

Writing in his column, as reported by Head Topics, the former defender also questioned who would establish himself as Ajax’s regular number nine.

“I’ll be honest with you, I don’t even know anymore who Ajax’s number 9 is and remains,” Kraay Jr. wrote.

“I was sitting right behind Míchel during the match against Sparta, and he was annoyed by Tolu throughout the entire game.

“He felt that he wasn’t pressing, was too static in possession, and just when Tolu thought: well, I can cause quite a stir, he was chased by his coach the entire match.”

Despite the criticism, Arokodare delivered the goal that gave Ajax all three points.

Kraay Jr. praised the striker’s finishing, describing how he fired home despite the tension on the touchline.

“Out of anger, he sent the 1-2 into the net with technical perfection, because he really is a cool finisher by now,” he concluded.

Already a jinx-breaker in the Netherlands, Arokodare has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 14 appearances for Ajax, making him a key figure in their attack.

However, Míchel wants the Nigerian to press more, move better off the ball and contribute more when Ajax are in possession.

Ajax have already opened talks with Arokodare’s parent club Wolves, with plans to seal a permanent €25 million for the Super Eagles striker.