Ajax head coach Míchel Sánchez has been quick to shine a spotlight on Tolu Arokodare following the Nigerian forward’s impressive Eredivisie debut. The striker made an immediate impact during Ajax’s 2-0 away victory over PEC Zwolle, marking a strong start to the club’s 2026/27 league campaign.
Arokodare entered the fray in the 73rd minute with the scoreboard still showing a stalemate. It took him only three minutes to alter the complexion of the match, as he played a central role in the buildup that allowed Jorthy Mokio to break the deadlock. Julian Brandt eventually sealed the points with a second goal, but it was the influence of the substitutes that defined Sánchez’s first Eredivisie victory at the helm.
The manager was particularly pleased with the impact of his new recruit. Sánchez highlighted Arokodare’s contribution, noting that the forward is currently working hard to regain his rhythm after a challenging stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The coach expressed his genuine happiness for the player, emphasizing that those initial minutes on the pitch were exactly what he needed to build confidence.
This season-long loan move offers Arokodare a fresh start in the Netherlands. After a prolific and high-scoring tenure with Genk in Belgium, his time in England proved to be a difficult transition where he struggled to find his footing. However, since arriving in Amsterdam this past July, he has shown signs of a resurgence. Having already found the net as a substitute during pre-season against FC Volendam, this latest assist against Zwolle serves as a promising sign that he is ready to carve out a meaningful role in this Ajax squad.
