Former Torino defender Perr Schuurs has praised Nigeria international Tolu Arokodare for his physical strength and aerial ability after facing the striker during Ajax’s 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen.
Arokodare impressed during the encounter at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday, scoring with a powerful header that once more proved his ability to trouble defenders through direct passes and aerial duels.
Schuurs, who spent four years in the Eredivisie before moving to Italy’s Serie A, admitted that the Nigerian presented a different challenge from the forwards he had encountered throughout his career.
The Dutch centre-back also compared Arokodare’s playing style with that of Romelu Lukaku, explaining why the two strikers require different defensive approaches.
Schuurs explains what makes Arokodare different
bSpeaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, as reported by Livescore, Schuurs said the Nigerian exceeded his expectations during the match.
“I had already expected a lot. But when the match started it was actually even more than I had thought beforehand,” the defender said.
Schuurs, who previously played for Torino in Italy, explained that he had rarely encountered a striker with Arokodare’s combination of physical presence and preference for receiving the ball in the air.
“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,” he added.
“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.
Arokodare strengthens Ajax’s attacking options
Arokodare, 25, joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July, with the Dutch club holding an option to make the move permanent.
The Nigerian has made an encouraging start in Amsterdam, combining his physical attributes with an ability to contribute goals across domestic and European competitions.
His header against NEC took his tally to seven goals and two assists in 10 competitive appearances across the league and UEFA Conference League.