The transition to the Premier League is rarely smooth, even for players who arrive with momentum. For Tolu Arokodare, the step up from Belgium to England has proved to be a humbling experience rather than an immediate breakthrough.

The Nigerian striker arrived at Wolverhampton Wanderers with expectations shaped by his prolific spell at KRC Genk, but the reality of England’s top flight has forced him to confront a tougher challenge in his career, Footballrover reports.

Tolu Arokodare reflects on tough Premier League experience

Arokodare has been honest about how demanding the transition has been since swapping the Belgian Pro League for the Premier League.

“The two leagues are comparable: physically demanding, intense, and fast. But in the Premier League, you have to double your efforts,” he told Het Nieuwslbad.

For a striker who arrived in England after finishing as a leading scorer in Belgium, the early months have been a reminder that reputation counts for little once the whistle blows in the Premier League.

“It wasn’t easy, I admit. My first matches were a struggle, I struggled. It was even harder than I expected. I’ve made progress since then, but I’m not where I want to be yet.”

Those words reflect a player still adjusting to the pace, physical battles, and relentless scrutiny that define the English game.

In Belgium, Arokodare thrived with confidence and rhythm. In England, every touch is contested and every opportunity must be earned.

Arokodare wants to become stronger after Wolves challenge

The Nigerian forward insists he anticipated a fight when he joined Wolves, particularly with the club battling to stay afloat near the bottom of the Premier League table.

“I knew I wasn’t coming here on holiday, that I’d have to fight. So, not much has changed in that respect. I was fighting with Genk, and now I’m fighting with Wolves. Then for the title, now to stay up n the league,” he said.

That shift—from chasing silverware with Genk to battling relegation with Wolves—has changed the context of Arokodare’s football.

The goals have been fewer, the pressure greater, and the learning curve steeper. Yet the striker’s outlook remains grounded in growth rather than frustration.

“I want to learn from this and become stronger. But it goes without saying that it’s tough being top scorer last season and now not even close to double figures.”

Moments like Tuesday night at Molineux offer a glimpse of the impact he can still make.

Introduced in the 59th minute, Arokodare needed only a brief spell to influence the game, producing a clever assist that set up Rodrigo Gomes for Wolves’ opener in a stunning 2–1 victory over Liverpool FC.

The contribution was his first Premier League assist of the season and it obviously shows that even during difficult campaign, flashes of quality remain.

Wolves eventually sealed a dramatic win through André’s stoppage-time strike, a result that strengthened belief around Molineux as the relegation fight intensifies.

For Arokodare, the assist may not erase the struggles of his debut season in English Premier League, but it highlights a player gradually finding his footing in one of football’s most unforgiving leagues.

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Last Updated on March 5, 2026 1:07 pm by footballrover