A temporary solution and a permanent solution. Olivier Renard recruited Adryelson and the Dane Lucas Hey, the two expected central defenders. Ultimately no left-handed defender, but David Hubert has already found a solution for that.
Olivier Renard’s work pleases Anderlecht supporters. They were skeptical when he was appointed, but with less than two weeks until the transfer window closes, he has significantly strengthened both the first team and Futures.
Already thinking about next season
With César Huerta, Adryelson and Lucas Hey, positions that really needed it were reinforced. Apart from Samuel Edozie, Anderlecht did not have any players capable of overtaking an opponent with their technique and speed. Dreyer certainly wasn’t up to the task and left the club. With Huerta, Anderlecht has recruited a player who can become a crowd favorite.
And at the back, the team has been considerably strengthened with two different profiles. The Brazilian Adryelson is an old-fashioned defender who goes hard and has very good heading skills. Lucas Hey, on the other hand, is a defender who plays on the ball, especially with his right foot.
The call option for Adryelson appears to be quite high. Lyon asked for 6 million euros, which will be a lot for the Mauves. With Hey, in the event of the Brazilian’s departure, the RSCA already has a replacement ready to sign until 2029, according to rumors. It therefore seems that David Hubert will continue in the same system.
-Should Stroeykens play a less important role?
The question then arises: what will happen when Mario Stroeykens returns from injury? In the new 3-4-3 system there is only room for two central midfielders, which also means that the man next to Rits or Dendoncker should not play too high. And this is precisely where Stroeykens has stood out in recent months.
David Hubert spoke on Sunday in Kortrijk about the framework he wanted to build around Thorgan Hazard to facilitate his return. This setting could well be the one where he and Stroeykens exchange roles. This is going to take a little more work.
Dendoncker in the middle or not?
The next matches before the Play-Offs will therefore be very important for Hubert in order to refine his system and find the right people in the right positions. Now that the defenders are there and N’Diaye is used as a left center back, Augustinsson could also play, and Dendoncker could find his place in the middle.
Or will Hubert continue to place him as a distributor on defense? In any case, Olivier Renard offered his coach many more options. If he also manages to recruit an additional striker, the sporting director will not have to worry about criticism over the next six months, because he will have done his job very well.
