KRC Genk’s head coach, Thorsten Fink, has praised Nigerian forward, Tolu Arokodare as a standout striker who now also contributes significantly to the team’s defensive efforts.
This endorsement comes in light of Tolu Arokodare’s impressive performance during Genk’s 2-0 victory over Anderlecht at the Cegeka Arena on Sunday, where he played a pivotal role in securing three crucial points for his team.
Following a disappointing defeat against defending champions Club Brugge the previous week, Genk bounced back in style, with Arokodare at the forefront of their resurgence.
The Nigerian footballer opened the scoring in the 29th minute, marking his 11th goal of the season in just 19 appearances. Arokodare not only found the back of the net but also exhibited his playmaking abilities by providing an assist for Konstantinos Karetsas, who sealed the game with Genk’s second goal just 18 minutes before the final whistle.
In preparation for the match against Anderlecht, Fink made a number of tactical changes to his lineup. However, he wisely chose to retain Tolu Arokodare in the starting eleven, a decision that paid dividends.
Fink expressed his sentiment about Arokodare’s development, stating, “Tolu is a top striker. He possesses exceptional speed, is strong in aerial duels, is adept with both left and right foot, and consistently manages to score goals. What more could you want from a striker? Additionally, he has stepped up his defensive contributions, which is a crucial aspect of his game.”
Reflecting on his adjustments to the squad, Fink noted the unpredictability of such changes, saying, “Sometimes they work out, and other times they don’t. I recall during my time as an assistant to Giovanni Trapattoni, he mentioned losing a European Cup final due to changes he made to his team. So, there are times when it’s better to stick with your original lineup. However, I believed this was a chance to make some strategic adjustments that would ultimately lead to success.”