Tolu Arokodare says he is determined to make an immediate contribution at Ajax after joining the Eredivisie club on a season-long loan from Sky Bet Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Nigeria international marked his early days with the former European champions by scoring in Ajax’s pre-season friendly victory over FC Volendam last weekend.
Arokodare, who previously played for Genk, believes he has settled quickly into his new surroundings and has praised the welcome he has received from both the squad and coaching staff.
“The players and the coaches are very welcoming. The mentality is great. The team knows what happened last season and what we have to do this season. When you step onto the training field, you can feel the mentality. Everyone wants to win and return to the top,” Arokodare told Ajaxlife.
The striker says his main priority is to help Ajax through his goals, while also making a physical and determined contribution when he is not on the scoresheet.
“I want to help the team by scoring goals. I know how to score. That’s my job. If I don’t score, I try to make it hell for the defenders. If I fight for the team, the individual success will follow.”
Arokodare also looked back on his goalscoring appearance against FC Volendam, saying he was pleased to find the net even though Ajax were already in front.
“I was a bit like that against Volendam, even though we were ahead. I’m glad I scored. I can come into the field in the last five or ten minutes to score, to hold the ball or to make it difficult for the defenders. I want to work for this team. When you work for the team, you get personal success.”
His comments underline the role he hopes to play at Ajax, whether starting a match or being introduced late in the game. Arokodare says he is ready to contribute by scoring, holding the ball up and making life difficult for opposing defenders.
The forward has joined Ajax looking to establish himself quickly during his loan spell, and his goal against FC Volendam provided an early indication of the impact he wants to make.
He insists that individual rewards will come from putting the team first, with his focus firmly on helping Ajax win matches and return to the top.
The club’s pre-season victory over FC Volendam gave Arokodare an opportunity to begin that process, while the reception he has received in training has helped him adapt to life in the Netherlands.