Dolberg keen to learn from Arokodare

Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg has said he wants to learn from Wolves loanee Tolu Arokodare. He called the Super Eagles forward a specialist and a monster in front of goal, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Arokodare has scored five times in eight games for Ajax since joining on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. This loan deal lasts until summer 2027 and gives Ajax the option to make it permanent.

Marciano Vink, a former Ajax midfielder, thinks Arokodare can hit the 25-goal mark in the Eredivisie this season. He praised Arokodare's footballing skills on the pitch.

In an interview with Dutch daily De Telegraaf, Dolberg said he understands coach Míchel Sánchez’s call for more aggression in front of goal. He believes he can learn important lessons from Arokodare, even though they are both competing for a starting position.

“I enjoy participating in the game, but the coach wants me to be more aggressive in front of goal. And I understand that. In that regard, I can learn something from Tolu, even though he is a competitor,” Dolberg said.

“He is a specialist in choosing his position and is a monster in front of goal. I talk to him a lot about that. I need to start scoring more,” he added.

Dolberg noted Arokodare’s positioning in the penalty area and his sharp shooting skills. He revealed that they have already discussed these parts of Arokodare’s game.

Arokodare’s chance to play for Nigeria in the September qualifiers is now uncertain. Sánchez mentioned that Arokodare had been feeling feverish all week, which kept him on the bench during Ajax’s Eredivisie match against Willem II.

He did not play at all in that match, watching as his team won 5-1 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Dolberg started the game and helped with three goals.

Before falling ill, the former Genk striker was in good form. He scored twice and assisted once in five Eredivisie games totaling 245 minutes. He also netted three goals in Ajax’s Conference League qualifying wins over Sion.

This good run had made him an important part of coach Chelle’s plans, especially after Victor Osimhen’s injury in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4.

Ajax will face Excelsior on Saturday. This is just six days before Nigeria starts their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo. Arokodare’s recovery will be closely watched by Chelle and his coaching staff.