Ajax boss Míchel Sánchez delivers big Tolu Arokodare verdict after FC Sion win

Tolu Arokodare is quickly giving Ajax a new attacking option after making a strong impact from the bench since arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles striker has not started a match for Ajax since joining from Wolves in late July, but he has already produced one goal and two assists in about 48 minutes of action across the Eredivisie and UEFA Conference League.

His first Ajax appearance came against PEC Zwolle on August 9. Arokodare entered after half-time and needed only three minutes to make an impact, setting up Jorthy Mokio for Ajax's opening goal in a 2-0 win.

He then came off the bench against Shelbourne in the Conference League four days later as Ajax secured a 5-3 aggregate win to reach the play-off round. Five days later, he made a brief late appearance in the 4-1 victory at SC Heerenveen.

But his biggest moment came in Switzerland on Thursday. Ajax were facing FC Sion in the first leg of their Conference League play-off. The Dutch club had fallen behind before fighting back, and the score was 2-2 when Arokodare came on in the 72nd minute.

The 25-year-old needed only 43 seconds to make his mark. Arokodare rose above the Sion defence to head Ajax in front. He then helped settle the tie in the 87th minute by setting up Davy Klaassen for Ajax's fourth goal in a 4-2 win.

The performance gave Arokodare three goal contributions in his first four appearances for Ajax, despite playing only a small number of minutes.

Míchel praises Arokodare's impact and character

Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez was pleased with the way his team reacted after Sion took the lead, but he also singled out Arokodare for his contribution.

“I am happy with the team's performance,” the Spaniard told Ajax Life per Goal. “Before the goal we conceded, we created three or four chances. After the 1-0, the match opened up. Both goalkeepers were in good form.”

Míchel praised Arokodare's impact after the Sion victory.

“Tolu brought a lot of energy when he came on. He works hard, he scores and he helps us.”

The Ajax coach also spoke positively about Arokodare's personality away from the action.

“He has a good character. I think he is a nice boy. I hope he keeps helping us in this way,” said Míchel, who described his striker as a “good guy”.

The victory also showed Ajax's ability to recover from a difficult position. Míchel was particularly pleased with the mentality of his players after the interval.

“The mentality in the second half was fantastic. When you are 1-0 down, it can become a tough task. I am very happy with lads like Steven Berghuis and Davy Klaassen. They stepped up. And Davy scores a brilliant goal.”

Marcos Leonardo also scored his first goal for Ajax after starting the match, but Míchel believes the Brazilian still has work to do.

“It is important for him and the team that he scored, but he did not play well enough. He is still in a process.”

Ajax now take a 4-2 lead back to the Johan Cruijff Arena for the second leg next week. The Dutch club knows that another strong performance is needed to reach the Conference League league phase.

“This is an important result heading into the return leg at the Johan Cruijff Arena. Every match is different. We must perform well again next week to reach the league phase of the Conference League,” Míchel said.

The Spanish coach also made clear that the Sion result is part of a bigger rebuilding process at Ajax.

“We are building on the mentality and quality. Every match is important for Ajax. We have to fight for wins and bring the club back to where it belongs.”

Arokodare's immediate challenge is to turn his impressive substitute appearances into a starting opportunity. His early numbers have already given Míchel a strong reason to trust him, while Ajax's busy schedule could provide more chances for the Nigerian to make his first start.