Ajax Amsterdam of Netherlands striker, Tolu Arokidare has a tough task on his feet this weekend, as he has to prove critics wrong for failing to mention his name in previews ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Eredivisie clash with AZ Alkmaar.
Sports247 reports that Arokodare, who is on a season-long loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers of England, has scored nine goals in 14 appearances for Ajax across all competitions since his arrival in the summer.
Read Also: FROM DELIVERY ROOM TO GOALSCORING HERO! Victor Osimhen Welcomes Second Daughter, Scores for Galatasaray Within 24 Hours | Sports247 Nigeria
Regardless of his remarkable stats, pundits analysing Ajax’s game this weekend opted to leave out a single mention of Arokodare, who many critics have declared lacks enough pressure on opposition defences and they say he is inconsistent.
Heading into this Saturday’s home fixture, the preview overlooks Arokodare, while citing Ajax’s key players as their new German duo – striker, Julian Brandt and former Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc ter Stegen – with a verdict that they have both ‘been fantastic this season.’
Despite Arokodare’s haul of five goals in nine league appearances, he is stiil considered second rate behind Brandt, who has six after 10 Eredivisie games and added his first two assists in last week’s win against Sparta, while also having created 51 chances across all competitions.
Furthermore, while no mention is given about Arokodare’s availability for Saturday’s tie, the preview also noted that Ajax have received good news on the injury front, with Daley Blind back into the squad last weekend and Steven Berghuis returning this time around.
However, Ajax’s coach, Michel Sanchez parried current criticism and what pundits see as inconsistent form from Arokodare, as the gaffer hailed the tall striker for always pressing from the front and being ever eager to fight for the team.
“Tolu is brilliant at applying pressure. It’s true that he’s sometimes lacked a bit of consistency, but he’s the sort of player who, when he’s at one hundred percent, is capable of doing it, just like Marcos Leonardo. Kasper did it too, but unfortunately we no longer have the option of using him.”
Sports247 gathered further that Arokodare is already bracing himself for an uphill challenge, as the Super Eagles’ fringe player seeks to prove all critics wrong and bell the cat for Ajax in Saturday’s fixture.
