Tolu Arokodare has been fantastic for Ajax this season, and the Nigerian striker once again stepped up with an excellent performance against Atalanta.

Tolu started the game on the bench, but came on for the final 25 minutes. He put Ajax 1-0 ahead late in the game with a fantastic goal where he showcased his strength as well as his composure in front of goal. Shortly after, he assisted Abdellah Ouazane's goal, which made it 2-0 to the Amsterdammers and secured the club's first win in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League this season.

Tolu has now scored eight goals in 13 appearances this season in all competitions for Ajax, and also assisted three goals.

Ajax signed Tolu on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer. Jordi Cruijff also included a buy option in the deal, meaning Ajax can sign him next summer for around €20 million.

Ajax signed Marcos Leonardo from Al Hilal for a fee in the region of €20 million. It was thought at the time that he would be Ajax's first-choice striker, but the Brazilian forward has struggled for form since moving to Amsterdam, while Tolu continues to thrive.

Speaking in a post-match press conference after Ajax's win against Atalanta on Thursday night, Tolu was asked whether he would be open to staying in Amsterdam beyond just this season. The striker said that he was certainly open to signing for Ajax on a permanent basis.

"Of course I'm open to it," Tolu said when asked about signing for Ajax permanently.

"I love it here. I've felt love here from day one."

Tolu also revealed that he plans to hold talks over his future with Ajax technical director Cruijff soon.

"I hope not to remain a loan player for long. I am going to talk to Jordi Cruijff soon," Tolu said.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after Ajax's win against Atalanta, Ajax head coach Michel Sanchez praised Tolu.

"He is a great guy with a good heart. He understands what it means to be a professional footballer. I am very happy with him," Michel said, speaking on Tolu.

Michel also explained what aspects of Tolu's game he believes needs improvement.

"Sometimes he needs to look to run deep more towards the opponent's penalty area," Michel explained.

"And there are moments when he isn't fully focused. He needs to stay 100% concentrated, because then he is even better able to read the game. But he gives us a tremendous amount in the penalty area and in his finishing."

Making runs in behind is something that is not a strength of Tolu, but that weakness is more pronounced as Ajax's wingers also do not often make runs in behind. Most of them prefer to receive the ball into their feet. While Leonardo has struggled, one quality he certainly does provide Ajax with is his willingness to make runs in behind. 

Simon Adingra is also capable of making runs in behind to stretch the opposition's defence, but he has only played one game for Ajax this season, which was against NEC Nijmegen. He has been dealing with injuries, and it is unclear when he will return to action.

Michel also mentioned that opponents focus on Tolu a lot, which makes things easier for the rest of his teammates.

"Tolu is a true team player, who ensures that his teammates also bring the right mentality," Michel explained.

"He makes the rest better because opponents are focused on him."