Arokodare tougher to stop than Lukaku, says NEC defender Schuurs

NEC centre-back Perr Schuurs says Tolu Arokodare is more difficult to defend than Romelu Lukaku after the striker’s decisive aerial display in Ajax Amsterdam’s 1-1 draw with the Nijmegen-based club.

Arokodare opened the scoring after only seven minutes at the Johan Cruyff ArenA on Saturday, rising above Schuurs to meet Jorthy Mokio’s cross and drive a powerful header into the net.

The goal extended the Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee’s contribution to nine goals or assists in 10 appearances for Ajax across all competitions.

Schuurs faced Lukaku twice in Serie A while playing for Torino and has now compared the challenge posed by the Belgium international with that of Arokodare, who gave him a difficult afternoon in the Eredivisie fixture.

The 26-year-old defender said Arokodare’s physical strength was matched by his ability in the air.

“I knew he was big and strong, but he can also jump well. Once he gets airborne, he is at least three metres tall,” Schuurs told HLN.