Two Arokodare attributes Ajax can bank on after PEC Zwolle win

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare made an encouraging start to life at Ajax, making an immediate impact in their victory against PEC Zwolle, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian striker came off the bench in the 73rd minute of Ajax’s Eredivisie opener against PEC Zwolle, with the visitors still searching for a breakthrough.

Just three minutes later, Arokodare played a key role in Jorthy Mokio’s opener before Ajax eventually secured a 2-0 victory.

It was only a brief cameo, and Zwolle’s dismissal of Sherel Floranus made life easier for Ajax. Still, Arokodare’s contribution provided some interesting clues about how he could fit into Míchel’s plans.

Two Arokodare attributes Ajax can bank on

1. Arokodare can influence attacks without scoring

Arokodare’s first major contribution for Ajax was not a goal, but an action that helped create one, and that is valuable for an Ajax side that will face opponents determined to sit deep and make space difficult to find.

The Nigerian can offer a different reference point in attack, using his physical presence to occupy defenders and create opportunities for teammates around him.

That was evident in the move for Mokio’s goal. Míchel was quick to highlight the contribution after the game.

“He’s done exceptional work, and I’m very happy for him because he has to gain rhythm,” the Ajax coach said in quotes Ajaxshowtime.

“His first minutes were very good. He has made a good action at the goal. Mokio has fallen in and scored.”

The important detail is that Arokodare did not need to finish the move himself to influence the outcome.

His ability to bring others into play could give Ajax another option through stubborn defensive blocks, particularly when their usual combinations through midfield are being crowded out.

2. He can make an impact while still building rhythm

Míchel’s other significant observation was that Arokodare is still in the process of gaining rhythm. Yet despite that, the coach was impressed by what he saw.

Arokodare had barely entered the pitch before making his presence felt, and his involvement in the opening goal came only three minutes after his introduction.

That is encouraging for Ajax because it suggests the Nigerian does not need a full 90 minutes to influence a match. His physical profile can change the dynamics of an attack, while his ability to participate in combination play gives teammates another option around him.

The circumstances against Zwolle should also be acknowledged. Floranus was sent off in the 57th minute, leaving PEC unable to maintain the same level of pressure. Míchel admitted the red card helped Ajax because Zwolle could no longer press as high and were forced to retreat.

Even so, Arokodare’s contribution came at a moment when Ajax needed someone to make something happen, and Míchel was clearly pleased with what he saw.

“Especially Tolu. He’s done exceptional work,” he said.

A promising first step

There is no need to draw sweeping conclusions from 17 minutes of football. Arokodare still has to build his rhythm, adapt fully to Ajax’s demands and prove that he can produce consistently over a much larger sample, but his debut provided two reasons for optimism.

He showed that he can influence an attack without necessarily being the final player to score, while his contribution suggests he can provide value even as he works towards full match sharpness.

For Míchel, that gives Ajax another attacking dimension to work with, and for Arokodare, he has to turn an encouraging cameo into a sustained impact.