Former Anderlecht boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck believes KRC Genk striker Tolu Arokodare is probably the most decisive ahead in Belgium’s prime flight, tipping him as the important thing determine in his membership’s title push, Soccernet.ng studies.
Arokodare has been in electrical type this season, scoring 15 objectives within the Belgian Professional League – the very best tally within the division.
The Nigerian ahead sits one objective forward of Anderlecht’s Kasper Dolberg and has additionally contributed 5 assists, making him one of many league’s most efficient attackers.
READ MORE: What Tolu Arokodare stated after serving to Genk set a brand new membership file with dominant win over Anderlecht
Having performed in all 26 of Genk’s league matches this season, Arokodare has established himself as an indispensable determine for the Limburgers.
His newest objective got here in final weekend’s essential 2-1 win over Commonplace Liège, a end result that prolonged Genk’s lead on the prime of the desk to eight factors over reigning champions Membership Brugge.
Jarne ➡️ Tolu – a connection that retains delivering! pic.twitter.com/4CMNStqNN6
— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) February 17, 2025
What Vanhaezebrouck stated about Tolu
Talking on the Belgian soccer programme Additional Time through Voetbalnieuws, Vanhaezebrouck was filled with reward for Arokodare’s improvement and impression.
“They’ve a weapon up entrance with Tolu. No crew in Belgium has that. Nobody has somebody like Tolu in assault,” he acknowledged.
“Thorsten Fink additionally deserves a whole lot of credit score for that as a result of Tolu has grown enormously below him.”
The previous Gent and Genk supervisor highlighted Arokodare’s transformation, noting that his bodily presence and technical enchancment have made him a nightmare for defenders.
“Tolu used to fall over his toes, however now he retains defenders at bay fantastically properly,” Vanhaezebrouck added.
With Genk and Membership Brugge locked in a fierce title race, Vanhaezebrouck believes Arokodare’s type may very well be the decisive issue.
“I used to be all the time satisfied that Membership Brugge would overtake them, however after final match day, I’m beginning to assume they are going to have their palms full with KRC Genk.”
Because the playoffs strategy, Vanhaezebrouck anticipates an exhilarating battle for the championship, with Union SG probably performing as a wildcard within the title race.
“I believe it’s going to be an awesome battle between Membership and Genk, with Union SG because the choose,” he stated. “The opposite three would possibly choose up some extent right here and there, however they received’t be combating for the title.”
The previous KV Kortrijk defender additionally identified Genk’s squad depth as a vital benefit, significantly praising younger abilities like Kos Karetsas, Smets, and Kongolo.
“Karetsas is a prime expertise, and on the again, they’ve two golden boys with Smets and Kongolo. However for me, Tolu shall be their greatest asset.”
Tolu Arokodare praises ‘genius’ coach Fink
Genk supervisor Thorsten Fink has earned widespread approval for his means to rotate his squad successfully, conserving his facet contemporary whereas sustaining high quality.
Arokodare, who has thrived below Fink’s steerage, was fast to reward his supervisor’s tactical intelligence.
“He’s a genius in his occupation,” Arokodare stated through Voetbalkrant.
“He is aware of when to rotate, he is aware of properly when to begin Oh and when to begin me. It’s not a simple job with two strikers who’re doing so properly.”
The Nigerian ahead additionally lauded Fink’s man-management expertise.
“He has a superb relationship with each of us (Oh and Tolu). He doesn’t simply give choice to at least one over the opposite. He does it completely, and that fits the crew and himself properly.”
Genk’s commanding lead on the prime of the desk has put them on the verge of their first Belgian Professional League title since 2019.
The membership has endured a trophyless run since their Belgian Cup and Tremendous Cup triumphs in 2021, however with Arokodare main the road, their six-year anticipate league glory may quickly come to an finish.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns right into a ball of ardour when writing about Nigerian soccer and its abilities, whether or not rising stars or established legends, domestically and overseas.
From the deepest corners of the Center East, to the inexperienced fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the wealthy soils of Africa, Imhons is greater than glad, often with a glass of a tasty drink close by, to seize the essence of the sport, by connecting the dots between tradition, id, and soccer.