Tolu Arokodare, a 23 year old striker, has emerged as the joint top scorer in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League with six goals this season. His latest goal helped Genk secure their sixth consecutive victory, further solidifying their position at the top of the league table. Reflecting on his form, Arokodare humbly remarked, It shows that I do certain things well. Hopefully, I can score even more.
While the striker admitted that his sixth goal against Dender was not his most impressive, he emphasized that what matters most is contributing to the team’s success through goals or other efforts on the field. His goal came from a scrappy situation in the box, but Arokodare remained pragmatic, stating, A goal is a goal.
Having scored 12 league goals last season, Arokodare aims to build on this solid foundation as he continues to make a significant impact in Belgian football.
Editorial
Tolu Arokodare’s rise to become the joint leading scorer in the Belgian league is a testament to his determination, adaptability, and consistency. While goal scorers are often judged by the quality and aesthetics of their goals, Arokodare’s approach highlights an important aspect of modern football effectiveness and contribution to the team are paramount, regardless of how goals are scored.
As football enthusiasts, we understand the significance of a striker’s mentality. Arokodare’s willingness to acknowledge that not every goal will be a masterpiece, yet celebrate each one, is a refreshing mindset. This humility and focus on team success makes him a standout player, not just in terms of individual stats but as a contributor to Genk’s dominance this season.
At only 23, Arokodare’s career trajectory continues to rise. Having already netted 12 goals last season, his ambition to exceed that tally this year shows a player with talent and a relentless work ethic. For Nigerian football fans, his success on the European stage is a source of pride and optimism, especially considering the pool of Nigerian talent excelling abroad.
Arokodare’s story reminds us that football is as much about resilience as it is about skill. For every stunning long range strike, there is a scrappy tap in, and both are worth celebrating if they lead to victory. In this way, Arokodare exemplifies the modern striker focused, pragmatic, and ready to seize any opportunity.
As Arokodare continues to shine, we can only hope his form carries through the season and perhaps beyond, as he looks to cement his place not only in Belgium but in European football at large.
Did You Know?
- Tolu Arokodare began his professional career at Nigerian club Ijebu United before moving to Europe.
- Genk, Arokodare’s current club, has produced other notable strikers, including Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Benteke.
- The Belgian Jupiler Pro League is known for its talent development, with many young African players using it as a stepping stone to bigger European leagues.
- Arokodare had a brief stint in the French Ligue 1 with Amiens before finding his footing in Belgium.
- Genk is one of the top performing teams in Belgian football, having won the Belgian Pro League title four times, most recently in 2019.
