Genk’s towering striker, Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare, is proving to be the revelation of the Belgian Pro League this season, silencing critics and drawing admiration from fans and former players alike.
When Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare first arrived at Genk, few could have predicted the transformation he would undergo. Standing at an imposing 6ft6in, the Nigerian striker struggled with injuries and form in his debut season, leaving many unconvinced of his potential. However, under the guidance of coach Thorsten Fink, Arokodare has emerged as one of the most dangerous forwards in Belgium.
This season, Genk sit atop the Belgian Pro League, a point ahead of rivals Club Brugge, with an impressive 40 goals scored in just 20 games. Remarkably, Arokodare has been directly involved in 43% of those goals, registering 13 goals and four assists—a dramatic improvement from last season, achieved in half the number of matches.
Patrick Goots, a former Genk striker and fan favorite, recently lauded Arokodare’s transformation. Reflecting on the striker’s early struggles, Goots admitted he didn’t expect this explosive breakout.
“I certainly wasn’t overwhelmed then. He had to deal with a lot of injuries and couldn’t handle 90 minutes. He was never fully fit. He was a different Tolu,” Goots shared. “Now, he’s a rock in the surf—unshakable, strong in duels, and pivotal in combinations. He’s changed in every way. His physical shape and tactical awareness have elevated him into a crucial player for Genk.”
Goots further highlighted Arokodare’s role as the anchor of Genk’s attack, linking up expertly with teammates like Steuckers to drive the team forward.
Despite his stellar form, Arokodare is yet to make his debut for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. However, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen recently acknowledged the striker’s impressive performances, hinting that Arokodare is under consideration for future call-ups.
With Genk chasing league glory and Arokodare delivering consistently, it seems only a matter of time before the Super Eagles come calling.
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