Neerpede remains an inexhaustible source of young talent for RSC Anderlecht. This academy has been in the news a lot this year, but David Hubert deserves praise for integrating local talent into the first team. In recent years, VoetbalNieuws has often highlighted the club’s emerging young promises. Among them, Tristan Degreef and Nunzio Engwanda particularly stood out.
Tristan Degreef, a versatile and promising player
Tristan Degreef has proven on several occasions that he has all the qualities necessary to become a star for Anderlecht. This young player, frail but talented, illustrates that an imposing size is not essential to make a difference. He is capable of playing on the left, center or right, and his commitment, combined with excellent technique, makes him a major asset.
In a match against FC Porto, Degreef was lined up on the right flank, a position where Brian Riemer regularly tested him during friendly matches.
Nunzio Engwanda, a prospect to watch closely
Nunzio Engwanda, only 16 years old, has already shown great things with the RSCA Futures. Noticed by Brian Riemer last season, he received playing time in preparation. However, offering him a starting place was premature, especially in the absence of Jan Vertonghen, an experienced player capable of mentoring him.
Against FC Porto, Engwanda made his debut as a right-back, an unusual position for him. Despite everything, he gave a convincing performance. “If I put him in an unusual position, it’s because I needed to. I didn’t hesitate to bring him into the team,” Hubert said after the match.
A breeding ground for talent for years to come
Engwanda plays mainly as a defensive midfielder with RSCA Futures, but he has also played as a central defender. His future remains to be defined, even if the opportunities seem more numerous in defense than in midfield, where the competition is very tough.
And it’s not over: other young talents like Seke, Vervloet, De Cat or Sylla are waiting their turn. Fortunately, Jesper Fredberg did not give in to the temptation to recruit massively abroad for the RSCA Futures. The objective of this team is to train Belgian talents for the high level, and not to develop young foreign players.
