Tolu Arokodare was at it again for Ajax. The striker, on loan from Wolves, grabbed an 87th minute goal at home to Atalanta as Ajax grabbed an important victory in the Europa Conference League. Arokodare then turned provider, assisting Abdellah Ouazane who scored a fantastic goal. Arokodare may be listed as the assist provider for the goal, but it really was a solo effort from the Moroccan teenager. The victory means that Ajax have bounced back from an opening day defeat to Croatian side Hajduk Split. Atalanta were one of the favourites to win the competition and this victory for Ajax proves that they really should be thinking of the Conference League as a European competition they have a real chance of winning.
For Arokodare, his loan spell from Wolves could not be going better. With eight goals and three assists in 13 games, he has surpassed his number from 38 games with Wolves last season. He is fast becoming a fan favourite at the Dutch club as his personality and goals are endearing him to a fanbase that is enjoying what they are seeing from the 25-year-old from Nigeria. Whether Ajax are willing to lift the purchase option they agreed with Wolves at the end of the season remains to be seen, but if Arokodare continues to score and enjoy the adoration of the fans, it will be hard for Ajax to not bring him in permanently next summer.
Next up for Ajax and Arokodare is a trip to Rotterdam to face Sparta. After a 5-2 victory over FC Groningen in their last Eredivisie game, Ajax are in fourth place, five points behind Feyenoord in first. With PSV and Feyenoord playing each other this weekend, there is a chance for Ajax to reduce the gap to both sides with a victory on Sunday afternoon.