Ex-Torino defender saw hell against Super Eagles star – “I’ve never faced a striker like him”

Dutch centre-back Perr Schuurs has admitted that Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare possesses qualities he has rarely encountered in his career.

The former Torino defender made the submission after struggling to contain the Nigeria international during Ajax’s 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen.

Arokodare produced a sensational header at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday. It was the kind of finish that left Schuurs impressed by his unusual combination of physical strength, aerial ability and appetite for direct passes.

Schuurs explains why Super Eagles' Arokodare is unlike others

Schuurs, who spent four years playing in the Eredivisie before moving to Italy’s Serie A with Torino, has tested himself against some of Europe’s finest forwards. Yet Arokodare offered a different kind of challenge, as also admitted by former Ajax boss Peter Bosz.

“I had already expected a lot. But when the match started it was actually even more than I had thought beforehand,” Schuurs told De Telegraaf, per Livescore, after the encounter in Amsterdam.

The Dutch defender’s experience in Italy exposed him to elite attacking talents, including Romelu Lukaku. However, he believes Arokodare’s approach makes the Nigerian a particularly difficult opponent to handle.

“Honestly, no. I played in the Eredivisie for four years and I had never come up against a striker like that. And in Italy you do not often see this type either,” Schuurs explained.

“People mention Lukaku, but he is still a different type of player. Tolu wants the ball on his chest or in the air more often.”

Arokodare, 25, is currently on a season-long loan at Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He joined the Dutch side in July, with the club holding an option to make the transfer permanent.

Arokodare, called a ‘unique boy' by Jan Wuytens, has since made an encouraging start to life in Amsterdam. His strike against NEC, took his overall tally to seven goals and two assists in 10 competitive appearances across the league and UEFA Conference League.