Peter Bosz has praised the impact of Tolu Arokodare at AFC Ajax. The former Ajax manager sees the arrival of the physically strong striker as a reinforcement the Dutch league is not accustomed to.
Bosz, who now manages PSV, spoke about his old club's summer signings. "Ajax have strengthened enormously", he said. "They have opted for experience. A number of those players are doing very well." He singled out Arokodare specifically. "They have brought in a big striker, something we don’t really know in the Netherlands. His presence is a quality injection for Ajax."
The 25-year-old Nigerian joined on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, with an option to buy. He has immediately found his role in Amsterdam, scoring six goals and providing two assists in nine appearances across all competitions. He netted his first Eredivisie goal against Telstar on August 30, followed by strikes against PSV and Excelsior.
His 1.97m frame and goalscoring ability offer Ajax a different attacking dimension. That form is encouraging for a side sitting fifth in the Eredivisie with 14 points from seven games. Their last result was a 2-2 draw with Excelsior, in which Arokodare scored the equaliser.
The striker was often a substitute during his season at Wolves but has taken on a prominent role in Amsterdam. His performances increase the likelihood of Ajax triggering the option to make his move permanent. For the Nigerian national team, he offers coach Eric Chelle a different type of attacking threat alongside Victor Osimhen.
Ajax also looked to other experienced players like Julian Brandt this summer, whom Bosz said is 'almost made for the Dutch competition'. The team now prepares for its next fixture, a home match against NEC Nijmegen on October 10. The full squad list and fixtures schedule are available online.
The report in full is at Punch Sports
