Former Ajax midfielder Richard Witschge has urged manager Míchel Sánchez to consider handing Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare a starting role following his decisive performance in the victory over FC Sion.
Arokodare, who was introduced in the second half, made an immediate impact to help Ajax secure a 4-2 victory in the UEFA Conference League (UECL) playoff first leg, scoring one goal and providing an assist.
The Nigerian striker replaced Marcos Leonardo after the interval and headed home a deflected cross from fellow substitute Abdellah Ouazane to put Ajax ahead.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee continued to make his presence felt, providing the assist for Ajax's fourth goal after playing a pass through to Davy Klaassen, who lifted the ball over the goalkeeper in the final four minutes of the contest.
Speaking after the game via Ajax Show Time, Witschge praised the Nigerian striker's qualities and called on Sánchez to give him an opportunity from the start.
"There is a beast up front. It is incredible how that ball reaches him; it is not easy to head it like that. He gets in well, is sharp, and then heads it in nicely," Witschge said.
"He deserves a starting spot, I think. I don't know how fit he is, but if he steps up, I'm afraid he'll just score 25 in the Eredivisie."
Arokodare joined Ajax during the current summer window following a difficult spell in the Premier League, where he struggled to find consistency with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Nigerian attacker will now be keen to build on his impressive start in the Netherlands, establish himself as a key figure for Ajax and rediscover his best form in the new campaign.
Adeyemi Adewale
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