KRC Genk head coach Thorsten Fink has commended Nigerian forward Tolu Emmanuel Arokodare for his impressive development and growing influence at the Belgian club.
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Fink highlighted the 24-year-old striker’s improvement in front of goal and his commitment to defensive duties, a significant addition to his game this season.
“Tolu is a top striker,” Fink said. “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.”
Last season, Arokodare scored 15 goals in 52 appearances for Genk but faced criticism from fans for inconsistency. This term, the former FC Köln and Amiens SC forward has silenced his critics, already netting 12 goals and providing six assists in just 21 games across all competitions.
In Genk’s recent 2-0 victory over Anderlecht, Arokodare delivered a standout performance, scoring a goal and assisting another to secure the win that propelled his side to the top of the Belgian Pro League. The victory marked Genk’s ninth consecutive home win, setting a new club record.
Reflecting on the achievement, Arokodare expressed his delight: “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,” he said.
He continued: “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.”
Despite rumours linking Arokodare to Turkish side Trabzonspor, Fink has made it clear that Genk is determined to retain the striker.
With Genk three points clear at the top of the table and Arokodare firing on all cylinders, the Nigerian forward has become a pivotal figure in the team’s quest for silverware this season.
