Nigerian under-23 David Okereke has gone from strength to strength after leaving Spezia for Club Brugge. He has had previous links with Premier League club moves. But, after settling in well at Club Brugge, he will get to perform on the big stage at the Theatre of Dreams.
David Okereke Adapting Well to Club Brugge
The Replacement Has Impressed in a Short Space of Time
The 22-year-old forward was hot property after scoring 10 goals and assisting 12 in just 33 appearances in Serie B. His blistering form had scouts watching him keenly. There were rumours sourced from Read Crystal Palace linking David Okereke to Crystal Palace. However, after Aston Villa prised Wesley from Club Brugge, it left the Belgian club short of a striker. Consequently, Club Brugge snapped-up the highly-rated striker for around eight million euros. The price is a bargain for most Premier League clubs but Club Brugge are the ones who took the gamble.
David Okereke is repaying Club Brugge with a strong start to the campaign. Okereke has managed nine goals in 17 games with 1 assist. This is impressive considering he is a young player that still has huge potential. Okereke’s new stomping ground is quickly becoming a second home and this is in no small part to his compatriot, Emmanuel Bonaventure. Bonaventure offers a familiar face in the new scenery of Belgium. The two have formed a good playing partnership at Club Brugge, Nigeria would do well to recognise the potent partners.
After Crystal Palace failed to sign Okereke, English fans will have a chance to see him in action against Manchester United. Club Brugge limped into the last 32 of the Europa League and will have hopes of claiming a big scalp against United. Okereke is looking forward to displaying his skills on the big stage against Manchester United. A call up to the national team surely awaits Okereke if he continues his impressive trajectory.
Club Brugge Take on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United
The last 32 Europa League teams have received their fixtures and Manchester United take on Club Brugge. Solskjaer was ambitious when commenting on the draw saying ”Any competition you can get your hands on, you take. We’ve started really well and we want to get all the way to Gdansk [where the final is being held].“ United’s main focus is on the Premier League, however, the Europa League is another potential avenue to secure Champions League football.
Vincent Mannaert, Club Brugge general manager, is building the suspense by stating “This is not the biggest Manchester United”. The belief of Mannaert is that United’s inconsistency is a weakness they will be able to exploit. David Okereke will be a key component in Club Brugge’s Europa League campaign. On the big stage against a big team may just bring the best out of him.
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