Former Anderlecht boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck believes KRC Genk striker Tolu Arokodare is the most decisive forward in Belgium’s top flight, tipping him as the key figure in his club’s title push, Soccernet.ng reports.
Arokodare has been in electric form this season, scoring 15 goals in the Belgian Pro League – the highest tally in the division.
The Nigerian forward sits one goal ahead of Anderlecht’s Kasper Dolberg and has also contributed five assists, making him one of the league’s most productive attackers.
READ MORE: What Tolu Arokodare said after helping Genk set a new club record with dominant win over Anderlecht
Having played in all 26 of Genk’s league matches this season, Arokodare has established himself as an indispensable figure for the Limburgers.
His latest goal came in last weekend’s crucial 2-1 win over Standard Liège, a result that extended Genk’s lead at the top of the table to eight points over reigning champions Club Brugge.
Jarne ➡️ Tolu – a connection that keeps delivering! pic.twitter.com/4CMNStqNN6
— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) February 17, 2025
What Vanhaezebrouck said about Tolu
Speaking on the Belgian football programme Extra Time via Voetbalnieuws, Vanhaezebrouck was full of praise for Arokodare’s development and impact.
“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.”
The former KV Kortrijk defender also pointed out Genk’s squad depth as a crucial advantage, particularly praising young talents like Kos Karetsas, Smets, and Kongolo.
“Karetsas is a top talent, and at the back, they have two golden boys with Smets and Kongolo. But for me, Tolu will be their biggest asset.”
Tolu Arokodare praises ‘genius’ coach Fink
Genk manager Thorsten Fink has earned widespread acclaim for his ability to rotate his squad effectively, keeping his side fresh while maintaining quality.
Arokodare, who has thrived under Fink’s guidance, was quick to praise his manager’s tactical intelligence.
“He is a genius in his profession,” Arokodare said via Voetbalkrant.
“He knows when to rotate, he knows well when to start Oh and when to start me. It is not an easy job with two strikers who are doing so well.”
The Nigerian forward also lauded Fink’s man-management skills.
“He has a good relationship with both of us (Oh and Tolu). He doesn’t just give preference to one over the other. He does it perfectly, and that suits the team and himself well.”
Genk’s commanding lead at the top of the table has put them on the verge of their first Belgian Pro League title since 2019.
The club has endured a trophyless run since their Belgian Cup and Super Cup triumphs in 2021, but with Arokodare leading the line, their six-year wait for league glory could soon come to an end.
