'Tolu scores goals as if he's doing the dishes at the same time'

Columnist Nico Dijkshoorn reflects on Ajax's new cult hero and the joy of watching players who visibly enjoy the game.

Columnist Nico Dijkshoorn writes about Ajax's new cult figure, drawing parallels to past players he has admired. He recalls watching Simon Tahamata play at De Meer in Amsterdam years ago, struck by the player's infectious joy and visible enjoyment of football.

Tahamata's wide shirt, his dribbling style, and especially his facial expressions made watching him a pleasure — he played as if he was genuinely having fun throughout the match. Dijkshoorn contrasts this with other players like Søren Lerby, who appeared to play every match as if seeking revenge, cursing and shouting his way across the pitch.

For Dijkshoorn, these moments revealed that football operates by its own unique rules, separate from everyday life. The piece is a reflection on the different personalities and attitudes players bring to the game, and how some make the experience of watching football particularly rewarding.