Genk mid-season review: Top of the table and exceeding expectations | OneFootball

Not many would have thought Genk would be top of the table at the winter break. The side under new head coach Thorsten Fink looked decent on paper, but the question was how well Fink’s footballing philosophy would translate to the current crop of players. So far so good!

Fink’s willingness to allow youth to play has paid off so far, as well as some outstanding performances from veteran’s such as Patrick Hrosovsky. Whether they can maintain a grab a fifth Pro League title will depend on injuries and how they fare without the experience of sides such as Club Brugge who have been there and done it so many times before. Either way, Fink’s reputation for entertaining football continues to grow following his success with Sint Truiden.

January transfer needs

Genk have quite a decent squad with strength in depth in most areas. However, there are a few positions to keep an eye on as the winter window progresses.

They could do with another left-sided defender, as outside of Joris Kayembe they do not have many options in this position. This has been an area that they looked to sort in the summer, so the club will probably have a list of options to go for in January.

Other needs may come because of selling. Tolu Arokodare is attracting interest form unnamed Premier League clubs. The Nigerian leads the side with 13 goals in the league this season and it is understandable that sides would be interested in him. Ironically, Arokodare was brought in to replace the sides last successful Nigerian striker in Paul Onuachu. Genk do have former Celtic man Hyun-Gyu Oh as back up, but that would still leave them with just one striker should Tolu leave.

If Genk can secure a Champions League spot, or at least a chance of Champions League football, they should be happy with their season. The title would be an unexpected bonus.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson