As the competition for the Jupiler Pro League title intensifies in Belgium, former Anderlecht manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck says KRC Genk has the most amazing weapon in Tolu Arokodare.
With 15 goals and six assists in 26 league appearances this season, Arokodare has been a regular contributor to Genk’s tally sheet.
The Limburgers are leading the Jupiler Pro League in part because of his outstanding performance.
The 24-year-old leads the Belgian Pro League in goals scored, one goal ahead of Kasper Dolberg of Anderlecht.
Arokodare’s impressive form for the Belgian side this season attracted interest from several clubs across Europe during the January transfer window but head coach Thorsten Fink held on to the Nigerian striker, insisting that losing him at this stage of the campaign would be a significant blow to their title ambitions.
Having established himself as a key figure for the Limburgers, Vanhaezebrouck while speaking on the Belgian football programme Extra Time via Voetbalnieuws described Arokodare as the weapon Genk has as they push for the title.
“They have a weapon up front with Tolu. No team in Belgium has that. No one has someone like Tolu in attack,” he stated.
“Thorsten Fink also deserves a lot of credit for that because Tolu has grown enormously under him.”
The former Gent and Genk manager highlighted Arokodare’s transformation, noting that his physical presence and technical improvement have made him a nightmare for defenders.
“Tolu used to fall over his feet, but now he keeps defenders at bay fantastically well,” Vanhaezebrouck added.
With Genk and Club Brugge locked in a fierce title race, Vanhaezebrouck believes Arokodare’s form could be the decisive factor.
“I was always convinced that Club Brugge would overtake them, but after last match day, I’m starting to think they will have their hands full with KRC Genk.”
As the playoffs approach, Vanhaezebrouck anticipates a thrilling battle for the championship, with Union SG potentially acting as a wildcard in the title race.
“I think it’s going to be a great battle between Club and Genk, with Union SG as the judge,” he said. “The other three might pick up a point here and there, but they won’t be fighting for the title.”
