One of the debates raging in Belgium currently has to do with the bench role given to Tolu Arokodare by his underperforming club Genk.
Genk have only recorded a point out of a possible nine points in the first three matches of the new season with last season’s league top scorer Arokodare consigned to the bench.
Arokodare has been widely expected to cash in on his goals last term to make a big transfer this summer, but so far this has not happened.
Experts have therefore been baffled why the striker no longer starts for his club.
“Why doesn’t he just start in the first XI?” Vincent Haegeman wondered.
“He played in the entire pre-season, played friendlies, and was the top scorer last season. And yet he’s on the bench. Explain that to me. I just don’t get it.”
According to him, the decision has already cost Fink and Genk points.
“I can understand not fielding him on matchday one. But now it’s matchday three and it’s all about the money. Then you can’t be concerned about whether he leaves or not,” he said.
Glenn Schrader saw possible explanations.
“Perhaps promises were made to Oh (Genk South Korean striker) in the summer. Feyenoord were also interested. If you put him back on the bench now, he might have asked for a transfer himself,” he argued.
The choice of Oh ahead of Arokodare could also be for the future, he said.
“Genk probably also want to work on the future. After Arokodare’s departure, Oh will become a first striker, so they want to incorporate him now. However, Genk still seem to be playing as if Arokodare is playing deep in the forward line.”
According to Michiel Vercauteren, Oh isn’t convincing yet. “He has qualities, but perhaps he’s a striker who needs someone alongside him to truly excel. It’s clear that Arokodare remains a key player at Genk.”
Haegeman remained critical. “Start with Tolu three times in the previous matches and you might have seven out of nine,” he concluded.
