Michel Sanchez explains Tolu Arokodare’s absence from Ajax starting XI

Ajax manager Michel Sanchez says Tolu Arokodare’s demanding schedule was the reason the Super Eagles forward began Sunday’s Eredivisie match against FC Groningen on the bench.

The Nigerian striker had started Ajax’s previous game, a 2-1 defeat by Hajduk Split in the UEFA Conference League. However, Sanchez made six changes to his side for the meeting with Groningen, bringing Marcos Leonardo into the starting lineup in place of Arokodare.

Speaking to ESPN before kick-off, Sanchez said the decision was influenced by concerns over Arokodare’s ability to maintain his performance level throughout a match after a busy run of fixtures.

“Tolu has a heavy match load,” explained the Spanish manager. “He is a player who struggles to finish matches 100 percent. Leo has enough energy to perform today. We need the best version of him, and today is a good match for him to show that he is a good signing.”

The comments, quoted by VoetbalPrimeur, came after Arokodare had made a strong start to his Ajax career since joining the Dutch club on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2026.

Before the Groningen fixture, the 25-year-old had scored seven competitive goals for Ajax this season. Four of those goals had come in the Eredivisie, with the other three scored in the UEFA Conference League.

His league tally included a goal in Ajax’s 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen, underlining the contribution he had made since arriving at the club.

Arokodare’s omission was therefore part of a broader reshuffle by Sanchez, who changed six players as he attempted to refresh his team following the defeat by Hajduk Split.

Rather than indicating a loss of confidence in the forward, the Ajax manager’s explanation focused on managing Arokodare’s workload and selecting a player he believed had the energy to deliver over the full match.

Marcos Leonardo was consequently given the opportunity to lead the line against Groningen, while Arokodare remained among the substitutes after his recent involvement for both Ajax and the Nigeria national team.