The path is still strewn with pitfalls, but there is finally a clear idea behind Anderlecht’s game. David Hubert has found a solution to the building problem in the game, although this will certainly need further refinement.
Anderlecht won 0-5 yesterday at Cercle, the biggest victory of the season. However, this hides some aspects, because if the score had been 1-1 or even 2-1 at half-time, no one would have been able to say anything.
What particularly pleased David Hubertthis is the way in which Anderlecht was able to manage the strong pressure exerted by Cercle de Bruges. The coach is aware that his two central defenders do not have the technical ability required to initiate offensive actions from the back. Their lack of finesse and technique requires another approach.
The crucial role of full-backs
Most teams are now putting high pressure on the Anderlecht defense, but Hubert sees this as an opportunity. “The first goal came exactly the way we worked in training,” explained the young coach. “We have to persevere under the initial pressure from the flanks. By daring to play despite this first line of pressure, we open up considerable space.”
Anderlecht’s best assets are on the flanks, with players like Sardella, N’Diaye and Edozie capable of dribbling past their opponents and playing vertically. The entry into play of Amuzu has also reinforced this quality on both wings. It is no coincidence that the first goal came from the left side, where Edozie exploits the spaces, while Dreyer, less quick, struggles to do the same on the other side.
Stroeykens, the “number 10” that Anderlecht needed
With Stroeykens, Anderlecht has a player capable of transmitting the ball in the spaces opened by the full-backs. His transformation into a true “number 10” at just 20 years old is impressive. At Neerpede, everyone is invested in his development, because he represents a raw talent whose potential remains to be fully exploited.
The objective is therefore clear: quickly integrate the full-backs into the construction of the game and entrust them with the initiative in offensive actions. This is why Hubert systematically prefers N’Diaye to Augustinsson. Stroeykens can then receive the ball and throw his teammates into motion.
A device that allows Dolberg to play higher
This scheme also has the advantage of freeing Dolberg from fallback tasks. Positioned higher up the pitch, the Danish striker can focus on finishing, as evidenced by his eight goals in four games. “The quality of the centers has clearly improved,” Dolberg confided yesterday.
This is also an aspect on which Anderlecht has worked intensively. The objective is to place the ball between the opposing goalkeeper and the defensive line as soon as possible. Edozie and Amuzu made three such crosses against Cercle. If Amuzu continues on this path, he will also become a key part of the team.
Unlike Brian Riemer’s approach, a clear game plan is now emerging under Hubert’s leadership. Players who can make a difference receive the ball more often in areas where they can be decisive. Hubert will have the next two weeks to add more variety to this game structure.
