Former Ajax midfielder Marciano Vink has admitted that Tolu Arokodare has exceeded his expectations following the Nigerian striker’s impressive start to life at the Dutch giants.

Arokodare joined Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan during the summer, with the Amsterdam club holding an option to make the transfer permanent.

The 25-year-old has wasted little time establishing himself, scoring five goals and providing two assists in eight appearances across all competitions for Ajax this season.

His rapid adaptation has caught the attention of Vink, who was particularly impressed by the Nigerian’s technical ability despite his imposing physical frame.

Speaking on ESPN’s Dit was het Weekend, Vink highlighted a moment in which Arokodare controlled the ball on his chest inside a tight area before attempting to finish with his left foot.

Although the effort went wide, Vink was more interested in the quality of the move and what it revealed about the striker’s technical ability.

“But that is really impressive, in tight space for such a big and strong guy,” Vink said. 

The former Ajax midfielder went further, suggesting that the attempt could have produced one of the goals of the season had Arokodare found the target.

Vink believes the sequence demonstrated that Arokodare possesses considerably more technical quality than his physical presence might initially suggest.

“It’s a good thing the ball didn’t go straight into the top corner, because then it would be the goal of the year,” he added.

“That whole move reveals so much footballing class.”

Vink’s assessment comes as Arokodare continues to make a strong case for himself after returning to the Netherlands.

The Nigerian forward endured a difficult campaign at Wolves last season, scoring six goals in 38 appearances, but his return to Dutch football has so far produced a markedly different picture. 

His five goals for Ajax have come despite limited playing time, with reports putting his total at just 355 minutes, an average of a goal contribution roughly every 71 minutes. 

Three of those goals have reportedly come in European competition, while his Eredivisie goals include strikes against Telstar and PSV Eindhoven.

Vink, however, believes there remains room for improvement, particularly in Arokodare’s aerial play.

“I didn’t expect him to make such an immediate impact,” Vink said, while adding that the striker’s heading could still improve. 

The former Ajax star nevertheless praised the Nigerian’s all-round footballing ability and his capacity to combine strength with technical quality.

“He can really play football well for such a strong, big player,” Vink added. 

Arokodare’s form will also be closely monitored in Nigeria, particularly with the Super Eagles preparing for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

With his confidence growing and his goalscoring numbers increasing, the Ajax loanee is making a strong argument for renewed consideration at international level.

For Ajax, meanwhile, Arokodare’s early performances could strengthen the case for turning his loan spell into a permanent transfer if he maintains his current trajectory.