Arokodare accepts Ajax substitute role before Shelbourne trip

Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare says he is prepared to contribute from the bench if that remains his role this season. Speaking before the away game against Shelbourne, he stressed that tactical choices and the interests of the team take priority over his desire to start.

Arokodare pointed to his substitute appearance against PEC Zwolle as an example of how he can help. He said he will approach either role with the same commitment, whether he is selected in the starting line-up or introduced later in a match.

The forward also discussed the physical battles that come with his size. He rejected the suggestion that he is always stronger than opposing defenders, naming Dan Burn and Virgil van Dijk as examples of imposing Premier League players. Arokodare told VI Champions League that he enjoys duels, even if they occasionally leave him with minor aches.

Tolka Park, which holds just under 10,000 spectators, offers a different setting from the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Arokodare described the pitch as somewhat uneven but said the grass was in reasonable condition. Drawing on his experience of difficult surfaces in Nigeria and a muddy away game at Grimsby Town with Wolverhampton Wanderers, he refused to make excuses. Ajax will aim to play their own football, win the match and secure qualification.