Arokodare’s aerial threat ‘practically impossible’ for defenders, says Goodijk

Lentin Goodijk says Tolu Arokodare’s physical strength and dominance in the air make the Ajax striker an almost impossible opponent to defend against.

The Ajax insider highlighted the Nigerian forward’s ability to win aerial challenges after he scored with a header against Twente in the club’s final match before the international break. The goal took Arokodare’s tally to 13 in 17 appearances since joining Ajax during the summer transfer window.

Arokodare then travelled to Uyo for international duty with the Super Eagles.

Goodijk said the 25-year-old had already demonstrated his aerial ability in Ajax’s match against AZ Alkmaar, pointing to the striker’s height, timing and remarkable leap as key reasons why he poses such a significant threat inside the penalty area.

“If you, as a left-back, have to win the header against Tolu, it is practically impossible to defend,” Goodijk said on Voetbal International’s Rondje Eredivisie, via Ajax Showtime.

“You have to sit on your teammate’s neck or something, and then maybe you can win.”

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers player’s impact in the air has been a defining feature of his early spell in Amsterdam. Five of his 13 goals for Ajax have come from headers.

Those goals have been scored against FC Sion, NEC, AZ Alkmaar, FC Midtjylland and Twente.

Goodijk said Arokodare’s timing allows him to attack the ball before defenders can properly challenge him, while his height gives him a further advantage in one-on-one contests.

“He jumps so early and so high that you almost won’t win that header duel against him,” he added.

“Maybe a free defender could still do something, but Tolu is of course very focused.”

Arokodare’s latest headed finish against Twente extended an impressive start to his Ajax career and underlined the particular threat he presents from crosses and set-pieces.

Goodijk believes defenders are left with very few options when they are isolated against the striker in the air, especially when Arokodare is able to judge the flight of the ball early and attack it at full height.