'We can play with both' - Wolves boss Pereira on potential Arokodare-Larsen partnership

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vítor Pereira has expressed confidence that Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare and Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen can play together once both are fully fit and in top form.

Arokodare joined Wolves on transfer deadline day after an impressive spell with Belgian side Racing Genk, while Larsen secured a permanent move to Molineux in the summer following a successful loan stint from Celta Vigo.

Although the two are expected to compete for the central striking role, Pereira believes their qualities can complement each other in the same lineup.

"I believe that we can play with both," Pereira told Wolves' website ahead of the clash against Brighton on Sunday. 

"But at this moment, Larsen is struggling with injury because he's not fully fit."

The Portuguese manager noted that Jørgen's injury has hindered his performances, making it difficult for him to display his best form for Wolves since the start of the 2025/2026 season.

"The Larsen that you used to see; pressing, fighting, because he's now in some pain and he's struggling with injury, but he's trying to help the team in this important moment, but he's not at his best level.

He further explained why the Nigerian international has struggled to replicate his best form since joining the Premier League side in the summer, stressing that although the 24-year-old has featured for Wolves, he is still not ready to consistently start games.

"The pre-season of Tolu's was a preseason without games, that's because he was in a position where he could leave the club or stay, or leave, or stay or leave," he revealed. 

"When he first came and started to work with us, he was not ready to start a game, but we needed him and we started with him in Newcastle. 

"He tried his best, he scored a beautiful goal against Everton, but he is not yet in his best shape."

Despite the slow start, Arokodare has already made an impression with Wolves, netting his first goal in the 2-0 victory over Everton in the Carabao Cup.

However, Pereira will be optimistic that, once both strikers reach peak condition, they could form a dangerous partnership for the team.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com