Tolu Arokodare has quickly become one of the most discussed new faces at Ajax, but not everybody in Dutch football has been convinced by the Nigerian striker.
Football writer and analyst Hugo Borst has expressed strong frustration with Arokodare, with his criticism adding another layer to the growing debate surrounding Ajax’s new No.9.
The Nigerian forward arrived at Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window, bringing considerable physical strength and a reputation as a dangerous penalty-box striker.
Since arriving in Amsterdam, Arokodare has already produced several positive moments. He scored on his unofficial Ajax debut against FC Volendam and later made a decisive contribution in the league win over PEC Zwolle.
However, Borst’s reaction highlights a different question: is Arokodare consistently doing enough outside his goals and assists?
For Cambodian football fans following the Eredivisie, this is an interesting debate because Ajax are attempting to rebuild their attacking identity while balancing Arokodare against Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo.
Hugo Borst Voices His Frustration
Borst is known in the Netherlands for his direct opinions, and his latest criticism of Arokodare has attracted attention because the striker is still adapting to life at Ajax.
The issue is not simply whether Arokodare can score goals.
The bigger question is how effectively he contributes to Ajax’s overall attacking football.
Ajax traditionally demand technical quality, quick combinations and intelligent movement from their forwards. Arokodare offers a different profile.
At 1.97 metres tall, the Nigerian is physically imposing and particularly useful when Ajax need a player who can hold up the ball, compete in aerial situations and provide a target for crosses or long passes.
That makes him a valuable tactical option.
But it also means expectations are high.
Arokodare Brings a Different Style to Ajax
Arokodare was never signed to be a direct copy of Marcos Leonardo.
The Nigerian striker is more physically powerful and offers Ajax an obvious target in the final third. His ability to receive high balls and use his body against defenders gives Míchel another tactical weapon.
An analysis of his game also highlights his ability to create opportunities through intelligent movement. His runs inside the penalty area can make it difficult for defenders to track him, while his timing on crosses is one of his notable strengths.
His aerial ability is another major advantage.
When Ajax face a team that presses aggressively, Arokodare can give the defence an escape route. A long pass toward the Nigerian can allow Ajax to bypass pressure and immediately move the team higher up the pitch.
That is an important quality in modern football.
His Start at Ajax Has Actually Been Promising
Despite the criticism, Arokodare’s early numbers and key contributions tell a more positive story.
He scored during Ajax’s 3-1 friendly victory over FC Volendam, finding the net late after coming off the bench.
His first major Eredivisie contribution came against PEC Zwolle.
Introduced during the second half, Arokodare immediately provided a physical presence in attack. He controlled a cross with his chest before laying the ball back for Jorthy Mokio, who finished the move to give Ajax the lead.
Ajax ultimately won 2-0, with Arokodare’s involvement proving important in breaking the deadlock.
That performance showed precisely why Ajax wanted him.
He did not need to score himself to influence the game.
The Nigerian Can Be More Than Just a Goalscorer
One of the most interesting aspects of Arokodare’s Ajax adventure is his ability to contribute as a creator.
Recent analysis of his performances compared with Marcos Leonardo suggests that Arokodare has produced more assists over a broader sample and can function effectively as a link player.
That characteristic could become increasingly important for Míchel.
Ajax have several technically gifted players behind the striker. Julian Brandt, Oscar Gloukh, Steven Berghuis and other attacking players can benefit from having a forward capable of holding the ball and bringing teammates into play.
Arokodare’s physical presence can therefore create space for others.
This is particularly important against compact defensive teams.
Instead of constantly trying to break through the middle with short passes, Ajax can use Arokodare as a reference point and vary their attacking approach.
Where Arokodare Still Needs to Improve
The criticism surrounding Arokodare should not simply be dismissed.
His game does have areas that require improvement.
His first touch and passing can become inconsistent when he receives the ball under pressure. An independent tactical analysis of the striker also identified weaknesses in his ball control and combination play in tight spaces.
That is particularly relevant at Ajax.
The Amsterdam club often plays in congested areas where forwards must make quick decisions.
A striker can be physically dominant but still struggle if he cannot consistently control the ball, combine with midfielders or keep possession under pressure.
This is probably the biggest challenge for Arokodare in Amsterdam.
He already possesses the physical tools.
Now he must demonstrate that he can integrate those qualities into Ajax’s possession-based football.
Arokodare vs Marcos Leonardo
The competition for the striker position could become one of Ajax’s most interesting battles this season.
Marcos Leonardo offers a different attacking profile. The Brazilian is naturally comfortable around the penalty area and brings his own finishing qualities.
Arokodare, meanwhile, provides greater physical presence and can function as a target man.
That gives Míchel two very different options.
Against opponents defending deep, Leonardo may offer advantages through movement and combination play.
Against teams pressing high or defending crosses poorly, Arokodare’s physical qualities could become decisive.
Why Borst’s Criticism Matters
Borst’s comments are significant because Ajax are operating under considerable expectations.
The club wants to challenge near the top of the Eredivisie and return to the level expected by supporters.
Every new signing is therefore being examined closely.
Arokodare has already shown that he can make a difference.
He has scored goals, created opportunities for teammates and demonstrated that his physical style can give Ajax something they previously lacked. His contribution against PEC Zwolle was a particularly clear example of that.
But Ajax cannot rely on occasional moments.
They need consistency.
That means Arokodare must continue improving his technical play while maintaining the physical strengths that made him attractive to the club in the first place.
The Bigger Picture for Ajax
The debate surrounding Arokodare reflects a wider question about Ajax’s new direction.
Technical director Jordi Cruijff made a significant number of additions during the summer, with Arokodare among several attacking and squad-building moves designed to improve the team. Ajax’s transfer strategy has been focused heavily on strengthening the current campaign.
The Nigerian striker is therefore part of a much larger project.
If Arokodare can develop a reliable partnership with Ajax’s creative players, his physical qualities could become extremely valuable.
If he struggles to adapt to the technical demands of the team’s possession game, Borst’s concerns may become louder.
Final Verdict
Hugo Borst’s frustration has added another talking point to Tolu Arokodare’s early Ajax career.
However, the complete picture is more complicated than criticism alone.
Arokodare has already shown that he can score, assist, hold up the ball and create opportunities for teammates. His contribution against PEC Zwolle demonstrated how his physical qualities can unlock difficult matches, while his early goals have given Ajax another attacking option.
At the same time, there are clear areas for improvement, particularly his consistency in possession and combination play.
For Cambodian football fans watching Ajax and the Eredivisie, Arokodare is certainly a player worth following.
The Nigerian striker has the physical tools to become an important player in Amsterdam. Now the challenge is proving that he can combine those qualities with the technical demands of Ajax football.
And with Hugo Borst already watching closely, Arokodare will have plenty of attention on him as the season develops.
