Schuurs Says Arokodare Is Unique in Serie A

Dutch defender Perr Schuurs has said he rarely meets a striker with the physical strength and aerial skills of Super Eagles player Tolu Arokodare. He struggled to keep up with the Nigerian during Ajax’s 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

“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.

Schuurs, who played for Torino for four years before moving to Italy, mentioned that Arokodare posed a different challenge than Romelu Lukaku, whom he faced 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 noted.

Arokodare Surprises Schuurs

Schuurs admitted that Arokodare exceeded his expectations during their match in Amsterdam. Arokodare scored a fantastic header that helped 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,” Schuurs said.

Arokodare’s ability to use his size to hold off defenders and support his teammates gives Ajax a different kind of attack. His aerial strength also makes him a danger when teammates send crosses into the penalty area, as shown by his goal against NEC.

The 25-year-old joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July. Ajax has the option to make the deal permanent.

Arokodare has started well in Amsterdam, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 10 competitive matches across the league and the UEFA Conference League.

His performances continue to attract attention because of his unique playing style. Schuurs’ comments highlight the challenges defenders face against a forward who combines physical strength with the ability to score in the air.