Van der Vaart backs Tolu as Ajax’s current No 1 but retains faith in Dolberg
The former Netherlands international believes Kasper Dolberg has the highest ceiling among Ajax’s strikers, although Tolu Arokodare is now leading the pecking order.
Rafael van der Vaart believes Tolu Arokodare has earned his place as Ajax’s first-choice striker, while describing Kasper Dolberg as potentially the most gifted of the club’s attacking options. Speaking on Ziggo Sport programme Rondo, as reported by FCUpdate, Van der Vaart nevertheless questioned whether Dolberg will fulfil that promise in Amsterdam.
Ajax brought the 28-year-old Dolberg back from Anderlecht for around €10 million a year ago. The Dane scored 10 times in 39 competitive appearances last season, after which Ajax added Marcos Leonardo from Al-Hilal for almost €20m and signed Tolu on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers with an option to buy.
Tolu has since moved ahead in the hierarchy. He started Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat by PSV and scored Ajax’s only goal. With Ajax trailing 2-1, coach Míchel Sánchez introduced Leonardo shortly after half-time before replacing Tolu with Dolberg on the hour. Van der Vaart felt the goalscorer should have been allowed to continue, while fellow pundit Wim Kieft highlighted the Nigerian’s size, strength and ability to provide a target for midfielders.
Kieft said the discussion over Ajax’s leading striker was settled for the moment. Van der Vaart agreed and also maintained his belief in Leonardo despite the Brazilian’s unconvincing start. On Dolberg, he told Rondo that the Dane is “potentially the very best”, but added that it no longer appears likely to work out for him at Ajax.
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