Rafiu Durosinmi: Genk coach pinpoints what makes striker special – “I am impressed”

Super Eagles striker Rafiu Durosinmi has drawn praise from Genk coach Jess Thorup ahead of his side’s Belgian Pro League clash against Gent on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian forward has made an impressive start to life at Genk since joining the Belgian club from Italian side Pisa during the summer transfer window.

Durosinmi scored in each of his first four league appearances for Genk, quickly establishing himself as an important attacking option for Thorup, before firing blanks against Anderlecht last Sunday.

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The 23-year-old will now face one of his biggest tests yet when Genk welcome league leaders Gent, who have won all five of their opening league matches this season.

Genk coach lauds Rafiu Durosinmi’s physicality

Thorup expects Durosinmi to be involved in a physical battle against experienced Gent defender Christian Burgess, but the Genk boss believes the Super Eagles striker has the physical attributes to cope with the challenge.

The Genk coach was quizzed about the potential battle between the Nigerian and Burgess during his pre-match press conference, and he acknowledged the qualities of the experienced Gent defender before revealing what has impressed him about Durosinmi since the striker arrived at the club.

“Naturally, Burgess is an experienced defender with many qualities,” the Danish coach said in quotes revealed by Genk's official website.

“But when I see Rafiu walking around shirtless in the dressing room, I am impressed too.

The light-hearted remark from Thorup highlights the physical presence Durosinmi has brought to Genk since his arrival.

The Nigerian has already used his strength to good effect during his early appearances, but Thorup believes physicality alone will not be enough against an experienced defender such as Burgess.

Thorup tells Durosinmi to be smart

While impressed by the striker’s physique, Thorup wants Durosinmi to be more selective when engaging in physical battles.

The Genk manager believes the Nigerian does not need to contest every duel and should instead focus on using his movement and positioning to exploit spaces.

“But for Rafiu, it is mainly about being smart,” Thorup added.

“Playing well doesn't mean you have to go into every duel. Sometimes you just have to know when to avoid the duel and where the space is.”

Thorup will hope the Nigerian can combine his physical qualities with the intelligence required to trouble a defence led by the experienced Burgess.

Durosinmi has been one of the standout performers for Genk since his summer arrival, but his goalscoring abilities will be put to the test against a Gent side that have won all their games in the Pro League this season.