Dolberg eager to learn from Arokodare

Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg has revealed that he wants to learn from Wolves loanee Tolu Arokodare, describing the Super Eagles forward as a specialist and a monster in front of goal, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Arokodare has found the net five times in eight appearances for the Dutch giants since sealing a loan move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, an arrangement that runs until the summer of 2027 and carries an option for Ajax to make the deal permanent.

A former Ajax midfielder Marciano Vink has tipped the Nigerian to reach the 25-goal mark in the Eredivisie this season, while he has praised the footballing class displayed on the pitch.

Speaking to Dutch daily De Telegraaf, Dolberg acknowledged that he understands coach Míchel Sánchez’s demand for greater aggression in front of goal, and said he believes he can draw valuable lessons from Arokodare despite competing with him for a starting place.

“I enjoy participating in the game, but the coach wants me to be more aggressive in front of goal. And I understand that. In that regard, I can learn something from Tolu, even though he is a competitor,” Dolberg said.

“He is a specialist in choosing his position and is a monster in front of goal. I talk to him a lot about that. I need to start scoring more,” he added.

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Dolberg highlighted Arokodare’s positioning inside the penalty area and his clinical nature in front of goal, revealing that the pair have already spoken about those aspects of the Nigerian’s game.

Arokodare’s own readiness for Nigeria’s September qualifiers has since been thrown into fresh doubt, after Sánchez disclosed that the striker had been struggling with a fever through the week, a situation that forced him to the substitutes’ bench for Ajax’s Eredivisie clash with Willem II.

He remained an unused substitute throughout the encounter, watching from the sidelines as his side cruised to a 5-1 victory at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, with Dolberg entrusted with the starting role and contributing to three goals.

Before his illness struck, the former Genk marksman had built impressive momentum, scoring twice and providing an assist in five Eredivisie outings totalling 245 minutes, while also netting three goals in Ajax’s Conference League qualifying victories over Sion.

That run of form had strengthened his case in Chelle’s attacking plans, particularly following Victor Osimhen’s right adductor injury sustained in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4.

Ajax host Excelsior on Saturday, just six days before Nigeria begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo, with Arokodare’s recovery over the coming days set to be monitored closely by Chelle and his technical crew.