Former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen has said Tolu Arokodare’s loan status could explain why the Nigeria striker does not always start for Ajax.

Janssen spoke on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo programme and suggested that Arokodare was at a disadvantage compared with Marcos Leonardo, whom Ajax signed permanently.

He questioned whether the club’s investment in Leonardo influenced the coach’s team selection.

“It has to do with money that he does not always play,” Janssen said, as quoted by Headtopics.

“Tolu is on loan, and Leonardo was bought. Do you think the trainer decides this?”

Janssen added that Arokodare deserved more playing time and praised him as a player and a person, saying, “He is a nice guy when you hear him talk. He is strong and can score a goal. He is just a good player.”

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Arokodare has nine goals and three assists in 14 appearances for Ajax in all competitions. He scored the winner in the 2-1 victory at Sparta Rotterdam on October 25, and he reached 100 career goals against Atalanta on October 22.

The 25-year-old joined Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolves on July 29 after a difficult first season at Molineux.

Reports say Ajax are paying his full wages and a loan fee, with extra payments tied to European qualification. The deal also includes an option to buy him, reported to be about €22m.

Arokodare is reported to be open to a permanent move if his salary is adjusted, and Ajax also want to make the move permanent.