The opening day of the Belgian Pro League was one of many surprises, many debuts, and many goals. Let’s see who I have selected to be in the very first Pro League Team of the Week.
Thomas Kaminski
Anderlecht’s second goalie saved his team from trailing with a few crucial saves, especially against a powerful shot of Mouscron’s goal-scorer Badri.
Mitch Apau
Westerlo’s victory is mostly due to its defence, and Mitch Apau, along with Schuermans, held off Lokeren’s onslaught, winning the ball at some crucial moments.
Kenneth Schuermans
A rock in the back for Westerlo, the 23-year-old debutant lead his defence to a well-deserved victory against Lokeren, keeping last year’s top striker Hamdi Harbaoui from scoring several times.
Oscar Duarte
The Costa-Rican defender, who also performed well in the World Cup, played a great part in Club Bruges’ victory, in defence as well as in attack, scoring a header from a short corner, much like he did for his national side.
Jelle Van Damme
Standard’s brave warrior, Van Damme played as he always does, with an unrivaled spirit in both attack and defence, playing both roles admirably. Nearly scored as well, his shot hitting the post.
Geoffrey Mujangi Bia
You never know what to expect from Mujangi Bia, either putting in a great performance, or being utterly invisible on the pitch. Luckily for Standard, the former was the case against Charleroi, with two goals to show for it.
Victor Vazquez
Comparing Club Bruges’ first half to their second half is like watching before-and-after pictures. While struggling with creating chances in the first 45 minutes, Vazquez’ input in the second half – he was subbed on at half-time – lifted his team to a higher level, passing it around swiftly, with lots of creativity going forward.
Glenn Claes
Yet another debutant in this Team of the Week, youngster Glenn Claes demanded our attention with a great game, providing the assist for the equalizer, as well as scoring Mechelen’s second goal.
Frank Acheampong
Last season, Acheampong was many a defender’s nightmare, rushing down the left flank with tremendous speed and unpredictable actions. He seems to want to carry on in that respect, tormenting the opposing side time and time again, scoring an early goal as well.
Alhassane Keita
Bagging a brace on your debut, not many players can share that experience. The young African striker combined pace and insight to lead his new club Lierse to a well-earned victory over Ostend.
Idrissa Sylla
The third in this list to score twice on opening day, Waregem’s Sylla – one of the only players that played a part in the club’s recent success that hasn’t left – proved his eye for goal with an efficient, though not flashing performance.
Source: DSG
