Toluwalase Arokodare wins Nigerian Rookie of the SeasonAward

[Damunk]

Arokodare: 'You can compare him to Zlatan'
Published: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 10:15 AM
Latest update: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 8:40 PM

At the stroke of one past twelve on Tuesday, the Belgian transfer gates opened again. Our JPL clubs can therefore shop again to their heart's content after a short break, Anderlecht also want to further strengthen its core. One of the targets is striker Tolu Arokodare. An unknown name, but one that justifies an introduction. VoetbalPrimeur.be therefore went looking for answers, and found them in Latvia.

19-year-old Arokodare earns his living at the modest Latvian Valmiera FC . However, with 22 goals in 33 games, his performance did not go unnoticed in our country. Anderlecht saw his chance and made an offer of 1.5 million euros , but that was rejected, the board of Valmiera wants more for its goldcrest. What justifies the high cost for a player who only plays in Latvian league? Renowned Latvian football journalist Edmunds Novickis explains.

When asked about Arokodare's qualities, the answer is clear and straightforward. "With his 1.95m he is very strong physically, it is very difficult to get him off the ball. He also combines that physical presence with technical qualities", Novickis says in an exclusive conversation. Physical presence coupled with technical qualities, a football fan will soon think of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. That is also the player with which Arokodare can best be compared.

read more
'Bid from Anderlecht to waste bin, Valmiera wants 500,000 euros more for Arokodare'

"It is of course another level, but they have a similar playing style. Although Arokodare has a slightly more physical style, he dribbles less than Zlatan and also delivers the ball faster. Many of his goals come from very fast touches, usually has he doesn't need more than three seconds to score a goal after he gets the ball, ”the football journalist continued. Qualities that will certainly sound like music to the ears of Anderlecht supporters.

Novickis therefore thinks that Anderlecht is the ideal step for the Nigerian attacker. "The physical playing style in Belgium is perfect for him. In a few years he could go one step further, a top-5 competition is possible. I am thinking of England or Germany, Spain seems to be a little less suited to him. "

Nevertheless, Anderlecht also have to pay attention to get the Arokodare home, the greatest weakness of the rough diamond is perhaps next to the football field. "On the field he is very mature for his age, next to the field a little less. He sometimes dares to post a foolishness on social media, and the way in which he tries to force a transfer is not well grounded. Pressured by his manager not to come and practice, and therefore does not. That is not a good sign, and it means that it could happen again later at another club. "

The transition to Belgium could also cause problems. In Latvia, football is a sport to which not much attention is paid, a poor performance does not immediately cause external pressure, which is different in Belgium. "In the Latvian league, even without a corona, there are less than 1000 fans in the stands. He is therefore not used to being in the spotlight at all," says Novickis.

The near future will show whether Arokodare can be seen in the Lotto Park. At the moment the difference between supply and demand is still too big, Valmiera FC is playing the game hard. The words of Latvian football journalist Reinis Lacis summarize the current situation well. "The club likes to remind the press that Arokodare still has a three-year contract, so the temporary closure of the transfer market did not seem to bother the board. Although it may just as well be that this is pure bluff poker and Anderlecht with an increased bid. price. "
https://www.voetbalprimeur.be/nieuws/94 ... atan-.html

[Dammy]

Tolu Arokodare has landed in Koln to undergo a medical before signing for the club. This is a massive step up for him.

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

Tolu Arokodare has landed in Koln to undergo a medical before signing for the club. This is a massive step up for him.

I can't remember the last time we a young Nigerian player went to Germany and did well. Hope it works out g or him.

[Damunk]

Tolu Arokodare has landed in Koln to undergo a medical before signing for the club. This is a massive step up for him.

So e nor dey interested in Anderlecht again?
Koln probably met the asking price of 2m Euros.

[Dammy]

Tolu Arokodare has landed in Koln to undergo a medical before signing for the club. This is a massive step up for him.

So e nor dey interested in Anderlecht again?
Koln probably met the asking price of 2m Euros.

It's a loan deal.

[Otitokoro]

Kid seems to be settling in at 1. FC Koln
https://www.facebook.com/fckoeln.en/vid ... 201887290/

[Otitokoro]

First training session with 1. FC Koeln
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo[/video]

[Gotti]

Tolu made his Bundesliga debut for Koln today...
Coming on as a 76th minute sub in the 0-1 away loss to Arminia Bielefeld.

Kingsley Ehizibue also played for FC Koln (all 90+ mins) at RB.

[Ugbowo]

Anybody know why Kingsley is not on the SE list for the friendlies?

[bret- hart]

Anybody know why Kingsley is not on the SE list for the friendlies?

Passport issues.

[Damunk]

FC Koln Manager Heldt on his new Nigerian recruit Arokodare

In Ehizibue and Arokodare you have two Nigerians in the squad. What are their strengths and what are your hopes for the young striker’s development this season?

Heldt: “Tolu [Arokodare] is learning a lot at the moment, it has to be said. He caused furore in Latvia, rising from the ashes like a Phoenix and causing us to take notice. He is still a young player at 19 and he has the qualities to develop. At 19 he still needs time though. We tend to play with one man upfront, so his challenge is to put himself in a position to be given more playing time. I just spoke about Sebastian [Andersson], who is developing well. Tolu has to do the same. He has played already and I am sure that if he keeps working as hard as he has been then he will add something to our side. He has qualities that aren’t easy to find; he is strong in the air and hard to dispossess. He has to refine those skills at Bundesliga level, but that is the kind of normal process that players adjust to through working hard in training and getting time on the pitch. He is doing that, he is eager to learn and I am sure he will develop well.”


https://www.completesports.com/rohr-ale ... -gm-heldt/