Huntelaar praises Arokodare’s impact as Ajax striker rediscovers scoring form

Former Ajax, Real Madrid and Netherlands striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar says Nigeria international Tolu Arokodare is a dangerous presence when he is used as the focal point of an attack.

Arokodare has made an impressive start to his season-long loan at Ajax after moving from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, following Wolves’ relegation to the Championship.

The 25-year-old has scored six goals and supplied two assists in nine appearances across all competitions for the Dutch club, quickly putting a difficult spell in England behind him.

Speaking on Voetbal International’s Pak Schaal Podcast, Huntelaar praised the forward’s contribution and the threat he poses when leading the line.

“I think Tolu is doing well. He has scored his goals and is dangerous as a focal point when he is on the pitch,” Huntelaar said.

The former Netherlands striker was particularly impressed by Arokodare’s ability to affect matches through his physical strength and his capacity to score.

Arokodare joined Wolves from Genk for about €27m after finishing as the Belgian Pro League’s leading scorer with 21 goals. However, his first Premier League campaign proved difficult, with the striker scoring only three league goals in 38 appearances at Molineux.

His early performances at Ajax suggest he has regained the form that made him one of Europe’s most feared forwards. The Dutch club have an option to make his transfer permanent next summer.

Ajax will begin their Conference League campaign next month, providing Arokodare with another opportunity to demonstrate that his strong start is the continuation of a genuine revival rather than simply a brief run of form.

The forward also featured for the Super Eagles during their opening two matches in Group L of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. He came on as a second-half substitute in both games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Huntelaar, who also played for Ajax and Real Madrid during his career, believes Arokodare’s value is especially clear when the team can use him as the main attacking reference point.

The Nigeria international will now aim to maintain his scoring run for Ajax as the club prepares for its European campaign and as he continues to compete for a regular role with the Super Eagles.