Frank de Boer urges patience as Tolu Arokodare makes impact at Ajax

Frank de Boer has called for patience with Tolu Arokodare, saying the Ajax striker should be given time to establish himself despite comparisons with club greats Marco van Basten and Patrick Kluivert.

The Nigeria international joined Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan during the summer, with the Eredivisie club holding an option to make the transfer permanent.

Arokodare has made an encouraging start in Amsterdam. He has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 11 appearances across all competitions, although only six of those outings have come as starts.

One of those starts came on Thursday, when he completed the full 90 minutes in Ajax’s 2-1 defeat by Croatian side HNK Hajduk Split in the UEFA Conference League.

De Boer, speaking to Ziggo Sport via Ajax Showtime, said Arokodare’s success at Ajax could depend partly on the team making better use of his qualities. The former Ajax manager believes the striker would benefit from a more direct supply of crosses from the wide areas.

“We are used to comparing a striker to Van Basten and Kluivert, but I have also seen a few times that he is technically gifted and that you can make very good use of him,” De Boer said.

“I have seen some great things. So just let him play.”

Arokodare arrived at Ajax after a difficult spell in England with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but his early scoring record has helped him make an immediate impression despite the weight of expectation surrounding the role.

The forward is attempting to follow a long line of notable attacking players at the Amsterdam club, with his performances already being assessed against the standards set by former Ajax strikers Van Basten and Kluivert.

De Boer’s comments offer public support for Arokodare as he continues to adapt to Ajax’s demands and the Eredivisie. The former Netherlands international also stressed that the team can help the striker by providing the type of service that allows him to play to his strengths.

Arokodare remains under contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers until June 2029. For now, he will continue his loan spell in Amsterdam while seeking to build on his seven-goal start and become a regular part of the Ajax attack.