Olivier Deschacht, club icon and analyst, expects a lot from the return of Jan Vertonghen and Thorgan Hazard to Anderlecht. “You don’t have to be a good analyst to say that their feedback will bring a significant improvement,” he explains.
Both players are expected back soon. “Vertonghen brings calm and experience in defense, which is perfect in combination with all these talented youngsters. Hazard in turn brings additional experience which could be of inestimable value to David Hubert,” he declares in the columns of Newspaper.
According to Deschacht, it will be easy to reintegrate Vertonghen. “He will return to his place in central defense on the left side. Zanka made too many errors there. So, as soon as he is fit, Leander Dendoncker will be able to return to his best position in midfield. Every Anderlecht line will then be strengthened,” he analyzes.
When it comes to Hazard, Deschacht sees different possibilities. “I prefer to see him coming from the left towards the inside and playing between the lines. His return will motivate players like Stroeykens and Verschaeren more. This will prevent ease within the team,” he notes. Deschacht recommends bringing Hazard back quietly and not rushing him.
“The fact that Vertonghen and Hazard are added to a team that is already functioning well is a great advantage,” Deschacht continues. He emphasizes that it is easier for players to return to a team that is functioning well. “They will return to their level more quickly and will further strengthen the team.”
According to Deschacht, the club does not need to make many operations during the winter transfer window. “With Vertonghen and Hazard, Anderlecht has already made some nice winter transfers. Each position is doubled, only Vazquez has not yet completely convinced me. An additional striker could be an option, but I think Anderlecht has with this group of players with the necessary strength to fight for the title,” he concludes.
