Míchel Sánchez praises Tolu Arokodare’s cameo in Atalanta win
Míchel Sánchez singled out Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare for praise after his late bench contribution inspired the Dutch giants to a 2-0 UEFA Conference League victory over Atalanta.
Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez highlighted the unique qualities of Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare following his influential performance in Thursday evening’s 2-0 victory against Serie A side Atalanta at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Introduced in the 66th minute as part of an offensive tactical refresh, the 25-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee broke the stalemate in the 87th minute.
Arokodare showcased his aerial capability by controlling a deep delivery from Youri Baas before finishing clinical past Italian international goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.
He subsequently turned provider during stoppage time, setting up teenager Abdellah Ouazane to double the advantage and confirm Ajax’s first points in the Conference League group phase.
Speaking during his post-match media obligations, Sánchez expressed contentment with his substitute’s work rate and mentality, commending how the front line maintained aggressive pressing late in the contest.
The Spanish manager emphasized that managing a squad of high caliber requires collective buy-in, noting that Arokodare possesses distinctive characteristics that enhance the team’s setup when additional physical presence is needed in the final third.
