Arokodare earns Danish praise after Ajax hit Midtjylland for six

Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare drew widespread praise in Denmark after playing a central role in Thursday’s 6-1 Conference League victory away to FC Midtjylland. The Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee contributed two goals and an assist as the Amsterdam side recorded their biggest European away win since 2000.

Midtjylland’s Friday Etim cancelled out Ajax’s opening goal before the interval, although the equaliser followed a disputed physical challenge on defender Thilo Kehrer. The contest then swung decisively when midfielder Kjell Wätjen received his second yellow card shortly before half-time, leaving the hosts to play the remainder with ten men.

Ajax took full advantage after the break. Alongside Arokodare’s brace, Owen Wijndal, Davy Klaassen, Oscar Gloukh and Marcos Leonardo were on the scoresheet. Danish outlets focused particularly on the Nigerian forward’s size, movement and power while assessing his performance as a replacement for the injured Kasper Dolberg. FCUpdate reported that Bold, B.T. and Tipsbladet all highlighted his influence.

The home side’s second-half collapse was met with severe criticism in Denmark, with the scale of the defeat and Midtjylland’s loss of control coming under scrutiny. Coach Mike Tullberg accepted that his team had collectively allowed the game to escape them against opponents with strong individual quality.