Valentijn Driessen criticizes Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare, Digi Mart USA News: Valentijn Driessen, a journalist for De Telegraaf, is openly critical of Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare, a Nigerian forward, calling him “too little” to be the attacking leader of the Amsterdam club. Driessen also argues that Ajax’s difficulties with pressing are caused by Arokodare.
Speaking on the De Telegraaf podcast Kick-off, Driessen said, “It comes down to one player that you cannot press with, and that is Tolu.” He said Arokodare repeatedly is told from the sideline to make runs and press under pressure, but cannot do so. According to Driessen, Arokodare cannot sustain pressing for 90 minutes, or even 45 minutes, alongside the rest of his team.
Driessen said Arokodare contributes little without the ball and is also weak in possession. He acknowledged that heading is his clear strength, describing it as his physical asset.
“For a striker it is of course great, but for an Ajax striker I think it is far too little,” Driessen said.
Mike Verweij joined the discussion, noting that there is no comparable player in the Eredivisie with Arokodare’s heading ability. He pointed to Luuk de Jong, who he said could head equally well or better and was far more complete than Arokodare.
Verweij also said Ajax would ideally pair Marcos Leonardo, who can press effectively, with Arokodare, so that Arokodare comes on for the final half hour against tired defenders.
