Ajax hand new arrivals starting roles as Arokodare awaits possible debut
Caio Henrique and Marcos Leonardo start against FC Volendam, while Wolves loanee Tolu Arokodare is named among the substitutes before Ajax’s Conference League qualifier.
Ajax manager Míchel has made sweeping changes for Sunday afternoon’s friendly against FC Volendam, with one eye on the forthcoming Conference League qualifying tie against Shelbourne. Summer recruits Caio Henrique and Marcos Leonardo have both been selected in the starting XI at the Kras Stadion.
Tolu Arokodare could also make his first unofficial Ajax appearance after being named on the bench. The tall striker has joined on loan from Wolves. Fellow addition Julian Brandt is not involved in the friendly.
Míchel has rested several players from his usual side ahead of the European fixture, creating room for an exceptionally young midfield. Jorthy Mokio, 18, starts alongside 16-year-old Mohamed Abdalla and 17-year-old Abdellah Ouazane. Reverson is in goal, with Anton Gaaei, Johnson, Youri Baas and Henrique forming the defence. Maher Carrizo, Leonardo and Oliver Edvardsen make up the attack.
The friendly was arranged as a gesture of appreciation to Volendam, who allowed Ajax to stage their European play-off matches at the Kras Stadion last season while the Johan Cruijff ArenA was unavailable because of Harry Styles concerts. All revenue from Sunday’s game will go to Volendam. Unlike most Ajax matches, the fixture is not being shown by main sponsor Ziggo Sport and is instead available as a paid stream through KIJK.nl.
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