Dutch defender Perr Schuurs has admitted he has rarely encountered a striker with the physical strength and aerial ability of Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare after struggling to contain the Nigerian during Ajax’s 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
“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 told De Telegraaf, as reported by Livescore.
The former Torino defender, who spent four years in the Dutch top flight before moving to Italy, said Arokodare presented a different challenge from Romelu Lukaku, whom he encountered during his time in Serie A.
“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,” he added.
Schuurs also admitted that the Nigerian exceeded his expectations during the encounter in Amsterdam, where Arokodare scored a superb header to help Ajax secure a point.
“I had already expected a lot. But when the match started, it was actually even more than I had thought beforehand,” he said.
Arokodare’s ability to use his physical presence to hold off defenders and bring teammates into play offers Ajax a different attacking option. His aerial strength also makes him a threat when his teammates deliver crosses into the penalty area, as demonstrated by his goal against NEC.
The 25-year-old joined Ajax on a season-long loan from English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in July, with the Dutch club holding an option to make the move permanent.
The Nigerian forward has made an encouraging start to life in Amsterdam, registering seven goals and two assists in 10 competitive appearances across the league and the UEFA Conference League.
His performances have continued to draw attention to his distinctive style of play, with Schuurs’ assessment highlighting the difficulties defenders can face when dealing with a forward who combines physical strength with an ability to threaten opponents in the air.