Tolu Arokodare has finally started to see more minutes at Wolves – and the latest comments of Rob Edwards bode very well for the striker.
Tolu Arokodare was Wolves’ final signing of the summer window, joining the club from Genk for £24 million.
It was a lot of money to spend, but the Nigeria international had scored 23 goals last term and hopes were high.
Under Vitor Pereira he did not get much of a look in though, with Jorgen Strand Larsen preferred up top.
Here’s how Wolves have fared recently vs Everton!
A mixed bag but surely this game is an opportunity, Wolves fans? 🤔
Strand Larsen continued to get picked even though he wasn’t playing well, which frustrated fans.
Just recently though, we have finally seen Arokodare – who missed out Nigeria’s AFCON squad – get a proper chance, and he’s now started the last three Premier League games for Wolves. His partnership with Hwang Hee-chan has also looked promising.
Heading into the game with Everton, Rob Edwards has delivered a verdict which is bound to give the striker confidence.
Rob Edwards delighted with Tolu Arokodare with Wolves starting prospects better than ever
The clamour for Arokodare to become a regular starter was understandable.
The striker arrived at the club having scored all those goals last term, and it had been clear for weeks that Strand Larsen wasn’t having the desired impact.
He now looks to be very much in favour – and the new verdict Edwards suggests he will continue starting for the Old Gold.
He said (via Wolves official): “I still think we’re going to see more, and I hope we do as well, I think he’s improving. He’ll accept and say himself that there’s still more to come. He’s working hard to get fitter and is still getting used to this league.
What have you made of Tolu Arokodare amid his run of three straight PL starts for Wolves? 🤔
Rob Edwards is encouraged by what he's seen…
“By no means is he finished yet, but we’re starting to see some really good shoots of improvement, more confidence from him. There’s a bit more belief there in him as well. So that’s really encouraging, but there’s more to come.
“He’s not just a big, physical guy. There’s more to him than that. He’s had some really good chances, he’s been a threat, he’s been awkward for the opposition, but he’s worked hard as well, so we’re pleased with him. He gives us really good options in that top line.”
- READ MORE: The one thing Tolu Arokodare has been doing for Wolves that surely cements his starting role
Arokodare’s productivity should increase
Arokodare is indeed improving.
In the last two games against Manchester United and West Ham, his hold-up has looked notably better. Perhaps Hwang Hee-chan playing close to him has helped with this.
But he’s also just really unsettled defences, and of course before we’ve already seen how well he can finish.
His productivity should increase in the second half of the season.
The system that Edwards is playing now appears to have increased the threat level, and hopefully that means Arokodare will be getting on the end of more through balls and crosses.
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