Anderlecht fans are still recovering from what they saw yesterday. More than half the team hit rock bottom against Viktoria Plzen. And one of them even found a new level of mediocrity.
It is not fashionable to qualify players in this way, we know, but Anderlecht does have a problem with Luis Vazquez. When the Argentinian is on the field, the Mauves play with one man less. This was already the case against Antwerp and Kortrijk.
Tactically absent
The Argentine striker doesn’t contribute much, if anything at all. Technically, tactically and physically, it is not at the level of a club of the standing of Anderlecht. The standout moment in the first half was the recovery of Degreef, who was able to initiate one of the rare counter-attacks and serve Luis Vazquez… who was completely holed, once again.
In this situation, an attacker must always create space and draw his defender to the side, so that the creeping man has time and options. However, Vazquez ensured that Degreef could only make a desperate attempt. This is a lack of tactical knowledge.
-Anderlecht needs another striker
But he is also in difficulty in discounts and duels. Against KV Kortrijk, Bram Lagae had it in his back pocket. And with all respect to the young, but talented Lagae, that’s not the analysis you want to make as Anderlecht coach when you only have Kasper Dolberg as your other option.
The Dane is essential, because Goto is not yet ready for the deep end. If Anderlecht wants to fight for trophies, Olivier Renard will have to take matters into his own hands. Anderlecht wants a title, but if the Mauves are still deprived of Dolberg in ten days for the Belgian Cup semi-final return…
The Great Old at home is a completely different opponent than when he travels. A solid replacement for Dolberg is imperative, otherwise Anderlecht risks ending the season empty-handed. And given the level displayed this Thursday and the first period against Kortrijk, the situation could further complicate if changes are not quickly made.
