Arokodare makes immediate impression as Ajax debut earns praise from Jansen

Former Eredivisie forward Anco Jansen says Ajax new signing Tolu Arokodare is “much better” than he had expected after the Nigerian striker scored on his debut for the Dutch club.

Arokodare made an instant impact in Ajax’s 3-1 pre-season friendly win over FC Volendam, finding the net in his first appearance since joining from Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 23-year-old has moved to Ajax on a season-long loan, with the Eredivisie club holding an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the campaign.

Jansen, who previously played for FC Zwolle and NAC Breda, was impressed by Arokodare’s performance and described the forward as a “beast” during an appearance on ESPN’s Voetbalpraat.

Although Arokodare had already developed a reputation before arriving in Amsterdam, Jansen said the striker had shown more on the pitch than he had anticipated.

“Everyone said about that Tolu : he is a beast, of course. But I actually found him much better on the pitch than what was said about him beforehand,” Jansen said viaFC Update.

Jansen also compared Arokodare’s early showing with that of fellow attacker Marcos Leonardo. The former Eredivisie player suggested the Brazilian has found it more difficult to meet expectations since joining Ajax.

Arokodare now has the opportunity to continue his promising start in a competitive fixture when Ajax face Shelbourne in the UEFA Conference League qualifying clash.

The match will be played at the Johan Cruijff Arena, where the Nigerian will be hoping to build on his goalscoring debut and further establish himself in Ajax’s attack.

His arrival gives the club another forward option as the Dutch giants continue their campaign, while the terms of the loan leave open the possibility of Arokodare remaining in Amsterdam beyond the current season.

For now, the striker’s first appearance has produced an encouraging early verdict from Jansen, who believes Arokodare’s performances could prove more impressive than the expectations that accompanied him to Ajax.

Ajax’s next meeting with Shelbourne will provide a first opportunity for Arokodare to make his mark in the UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign after opening his spell at the club with a goal against FC Volendam.