KRC Genk head coach, Thorsten Fink, has praised Nigerian striker, Tolu Emmanuel Arokodare, for his improvement in the Belgian side, alongside his dedication to helping out defensively, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former FC Koln forward, despite his huge potential, was largely bashed by the De Smurfen fans due to his inconsistency in front of goal last season, but he’s taken that in his stride this term and has earned their confidence.
Arokodare scored 15 goals in 52 games for Fink’s side last season and has almost matched up the same numbers he put up last term, despite playing nearly half the number of games, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists in 21 games for Genk across all competitions this campaign.
The 1.97m tall striker scored a goal and provided an assist in Genk’s 2-0 win over Anderlecht two days ago, and his coach was very pleased, revealing why the 24-year-old is a top striker.
“Tolu is a top striker. He is fast, strong in the air, left and right-footed, and he scores. What more could you want as a coach? Moreover, he now also carries out his defensive duties, which he didn’t do before,” the German coach told Het Nieuwsblad.
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Genk’s win against Anderlecht sent them top of the table, three points above Raphael Onyedika’s Club Brugge, and that pleased Arokodare.
“This is an important victory for us. We dominated from the first to the last minute. It was the perfect reaction after the match against Club Brugge. This was the match that our club and the fans needed. Our fans continued to support us even after the defeat last week.
“Of course, I am happy with my goal. We are making history today with our ninth home win in a row. I am happy to be part of Genk’s history. We were patient. That’s our game. We let the ball go well and we knew the chances would come. I could have scored more, but I’m happy with the win and the record,” the former Amiens SC striker concluded.
Arokodare has been linked with Turkish Super Lig side, Trabzonspor, but his coach has made it clear Genk will do everything to keep the Nigerian forward at the club.