The Anderlecht machine is running at full speed at the moment, that’s undeniable. But the man who was supposed to be the driving force is coughing a little: Leander Dendoncker is far from his best level.
Before the truce, we had highlighted the difficulties of Leander Dendoncker (read here), who had played his worst match since his return during the disastrous trip to Club Brugge. But the Red Devil then had mitigating circumstances: he was forced to help out in central defense and RSC Anderlecht was not playing.
From now on, Dendoncker has found his best position, where he was expected to turn the corner. Thursday’s match against FC Porto was also the type of meeting for which the former Wolverhampton player returned to Lotto Park: his experience, his power, his calm should speak in Europe and help his teammates.
When will we see the best Dendoncker?
Result: against Porto, he seemed very timid, even absent at times – like on this second Portuguese goal during which Fabio Vieira wanders in an incomprehensible way in the Anderlecht midfield. Mats Rits, alongside him, is gaining momentum and played his best match since he was at Anderlecht.
Of course, difficult, if not impossible, to envisage David Hubert putting Leander Dendoncker on the bench – but the Rits-Dendoncker double pivot is only of interest if the Red Devil plays its role, especially if it involves depriving itself of the creativity of Leoni or Veschaeren.
The supporters, for their part, also seem to be wondering about the best level to come from the one who arrived surrounded by enormous expectations. Leander Dendoncker himself seems a little uncomfortable, very discreet on and off the field; he will have to gain strength, because the season will still be long.
