Toluwalase Arokodare made an impressive impact in his first season with Genk in Belgium, finishing as the club’s top scorer. Despite early criticism and pressure from fans comparing him to his predecessor Paul Onuachu, Arokodare proved his worth by scoring in double figures.
Genk signed Arokodare as a direct replacement for Paul Onuachu, who moved to Southampton in the Premier League. Arokodare scored 12 goals in the league and 15 in all competitions, becoming Genk’s highest goal scorer for the season. Across 2660 minutes, he achieved an expected goal XG of 13.73 and averaged 177 minutes per goal. He took 81 shots in the Jupiler Pro League, with 37 on target, boasting a conversion rate of 14.81% and a shot accuracy of 45.68%.
Although primarily a striker, Arokodare completed 314 out of 459 passes 68.41% success rate and provided two assists and three crosses. His performance helped Genk finish sixth in the regular season and fourth in the Championship Playoffs, though they ultimately fell to Gent in the final playoff for a European spot.
Arokodare’s resilience and ability to overcome early season challenges highlight his potential and value to Genk.
Editorial
Toluwalase Arokodare’s first season with Genk showcases a remarkable journey of adaptation and success. Despite the pressure of replacing a prolific striker like Paul Onuachu, Arokodare’s determination and consistent performances have silenced his critics and earned him recognition.
Arokodare’s story is a testament to perseverance. His ability to rise above expectations and deliver crucial goals underscores his talent and potential. As he continues to develop, Arokodare has the opportunity to establish himself as a key player not just for Genk, but potentially for bigger clubs in the future.
His impressive statistics in his debut season, including his goal scoring rate and contribution to playmaking, highlight his all around capabilities as a forward. Arokodare’s journey from Box2Box of Lagos to becoming Genk’s top scorer serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, significant achievements are possible.
Did You Know?
- Toluwalase Arokodare started his career at Box2Box of Lagos before moving to Europe.
- He was signed by Genk to replace Paul Onuachu, a fellow Nigerian striker who moved to Southampton.
- Arokodare’s goal in the FA Community Shield final against Manchester City was a highlight of his career.
- He achieved an impressive shot accuracy of 45.68% in his first season in the Jupiler Pro League.
- Genk’s sixth place finish in the regular season and fourth in the Championship Playoffs were significantly bolstered by Arokodare’s contributions.
