‘Not a smart striker’-  Kortrijk defender Watanabe criticises Onuachu’s game

JUPILER LEAGUE ‘Not a smart striker’-  Kortrijk defender Watanabe criticises Onuachu’s game

Joba Ogunwale 22:39 - 26.01.2023

The Super Eagles striker is the current top scorer in the Belgian top flight, but not everyone is impressed with his game.

Kortrijk defender Tsuyoshi Watanabe has criticised Paul Onuauchu’s game and hit out at the level of quality in the Belgian Jupiler League.

Onuachu has been arguably the best striker in the Belgian top flight over the last three seasons, finishing as the top scorer on one occasion. 

Watanabe criticises Onuachu's style

The Super Eagles star is on course to do the same this season as he currently leads the chart with 14 goals in 18 league games for Genk. 

Watanabe is not impressed with Onuachu's game

However, despite Onuachu’s qualities in front of goal, Watanabe is still not impressed with the skill level of the Nigeria international. 

The 25-year-old insists the former FC Midtjylland star is not a smart striker while also criticising the overall quality of the Belgian League.

“(The Japanese league) has smarter and more technical players than the Belgian,” Watanabe told nieuwsblad. 

Onuachu and Watanabe in a duel

“Many duels are fought here between big boys. Take the match against Genk now. I faced Onuachu. A good player, but not a smart striker. He only uses his body and I managed to win many headers from him,” he added. 

Clubs monitoring Onuachu

Onuachu will not lose too much sleep over what Watanabe said, though. The Nigeria international’s qualities are well recognised by some of Europe’s clubs, who are interested in signing him. 

The Super Eagles star reportedly is attracting interest from Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt and Premier League side Southampton. 

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However, both clubs are likely to fail in their mission to get the prolific striker as they are still far away from meeting Genk’s valuation. 

The Blue Smurfs are not interested in selling their prized asset, and will only sell him if they receive an offer in the region of €25 million. Italian Serie A club Salernitana have also been credited with an interest for the Nigeria international, but they are yet to make a formal offer to Genk. 

Onuachu’s current contract with Genk expires next year. 

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