Two ways Tolu Arokodare can earn starting spot at Ajax

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has already shown glimpses of what he can offer Ajax, but the Nigerian now faces a challenge of turning his substitute appearances into a regular starting role, Afrik-Foot reports.

Arokodare arrived in Amsterdam with a profile that gives Ajax something different in attack. At 1.97m, the Nigerian is capable of competing physically with defenders, holding up the ball and giving his team a direct route towards the final third.

That was evident on his Eredivisie debut against PEC Zwolle, when he came off the bench and provided the assist for Jorthy Mokio to open the scoring.

However, Arokodare has so far had to settle for a role off the bench, including another late appearance against Heerenveen.

His limited involvement has raised questions about where he fits into Míchel Sánchez’s plans. The Ajax coach, however, has made it clear that the Nigerian remains part of his long-term plans.

“I have a plan for everyone,” Sánchez said after the Heerenveen game in quotes revealed by Ajax Life.

“Tolu is a very good player for us.”

That backing should encourage Arokodare, but the 25-year-old must now give his coach more reasons to move him into the starting XI.

Two ways Tolu Arokodare can be a starter at Ajax

1. Become more than just Ajax’s physical outlet

Arokodare’s physical strength is probably his most obvious weapon, but relying on it alone could limit his opportunities at Ajax.

The Nigerian has already spoken about enjoying his physical battles with defenders, while his ability to occupy centre-backs and compete for long balls gives Ajax an alternative when their usual possession game becomes difficult.

However, Ajax are unlikely to build their entire attacking approach around a traditional target man.

That means Arokodare must show that he can contribute when the team is playing the kind of possession-based football associated with the Amsterdam giants. His ability to bring teammates into play will be particularly important.

Rather than simply receiving long passes with his back to goal, Arokodare needs to become more reliable when combining with attacking midfielders and wingers, linking attacks and creating space for runners around him.

That would make him a much more complete option for Sánchez. There is already evidence that Arokodare understands this responsibility.

Ahead of his Ajax debut, he explained that he was prepared to contribute in whatever role the team required, insisting that individual ambitions had to come second to the team’s needs.

2. Make his substitute appearances count

Arokodare’s other route into the starting XI is to try finding the back of the net whenever he comes on. His first Ajax appearance offered a glimpse of how effective he can be against tiring defenders.

Coming on against PEC Zwolle, he immediately provided an assist, helping Ajax find the breakthrough after the game had remained goalless for much of the contest.

That is the kind of impact a player competing for a starting place needs to produce. Winning aerial duels, holding the ball up, attacking crosses, creating chances and eventually finding the net are all ways he can demonstrate that his impact should begin earlier in matches.

The timing of his introduction against Heerenveen was particularly notable. Ajax were chasing a winner after surrendering a two-goal advantage, yet Arokodare was only introduced in the 87th minute.

Rather than becoming frustrated by such decisions, the Nigerian can use them as motivation.

If he consistently changes games within 15 or 20 minutes, it becomes difficult for a coach to justify giving him only those 15 or 20 minutes.