Ajax Amsterdam great Frank de Boer has called for patience with Tolu Arokodare, saying the Nigerian forward can succeed at the club if he receives the right service.

Arokodare joined Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan in the summer, with the Eredivisie club holding an option to buy him permanently. His arrival brought immediate pressure, with comparisons drawn between the Super Eagles striker and former Ajax icons Marco van Basten and Patrick Kluivert.

However, the 24-year-old has made an encouraging start in Amsterdam. He has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 11 appearances across all competitions, despite starting only six of those matches.

Arokodare was in the starting line-up for Ajax’s UEFA Conference League meeting with Croatian side HNK Hajduk Split on Thursday. He completed the full 90 minutes as Ajax were beaten 2-1.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport, via Ajax Showtime, De Boer said Arokodare’s effectiveness would depend partly on how Ajax use him. The former Ajax manager believes the team should look to provide more crosses from wide areas to take advantage of the striker’s qualities.

“We are used to comparing a striker to Van Basten and Kluivert, but I have also seen a few times that he is technically gifted and that you can make very good use of him,” De Boer said.

“I have seen some great things. So just let him play.”

De Boer’s comments come as Arokodare continues to establish himself in an Ajax attack that has asked him to follow a long line of distinguished forwards.

The Nigerian had previously endured a difficult spell in England with Wolverhampton Wanderers before making the move to the Netherlands. Despite that background and the expectations attached to his new club, his early scoring record has given him a strong platform.

Arokodare remains contracted to Wolverhampton Wanderers until June 2029. For now, he will continue leading Ajax’s attack while attempting to build on his first 11 appearances and respond to the support offered by figures such as De Boer.