He’s a Rock on the Field” – Former Genk Striker Praises Super Eagles Hopeful Arokodare
Former Genk striker Patrick Goots has praised Nigerian forward Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare for his remarkable improvement under coach Thorsten Fink.
Genk currently leads the Belgian Pro League, one point ahead of Club Brugge. The team has scored 40 goals this season, with Arokodare contributing 13 goals and 4 assists in just 20 games, accounting for 43% of their goals].
Goots Applauds Arokodare’s Transformation
Reflecting on Arokodare’s progress, Goots admitted he didn’t expect such a strong performance from the striker this season.
“I wasn’t impressed at first because he struggled with injuries and wasn’t fully fit. Back then, he couldn’t handle 90 minutes and wasn’t the player we see today,” Goots said.
“Now, he’s a rock on the field. He’s strong in duels, hard to push off the ball, and has improved in every aspect. He’s also crucial in linking up with teammates like Steuckers, helping the team move forward,” Goots added.
Arokodare’s Rising Value
The 6ft 6in striker has already surpassed his goal contributions from last season, achieving this in just half the number of games. His physical fitness and tactical awareness have made him a key player for Genk.
Super Eagles Call-Up Pending
Despite his brilliant form, Arokodare has yet to receive a call-up to the Nigerian senior team. However, Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has confirmed that Arokodare is on his radar and could be invited to the team soon.
With his outstanding performances this season, Arokodare continues to prove his value as one of Nigeria’s top football prospects.
