Hans Vanaken, the talented midfield maestro of Club Brugge, has recently found himself at the forefront of discussions surrounding the potential for his third Golden Shoe award. Known for his consistent performances on the pitch, Vanaken's contributions have been pivotal as his team approaches the playoff stage of the Jupiler Pro League. With numerous goals and assists this season, he’s steadily reaffirmed his place among Belgium's elite footballers.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vanaken has developed a knack for scoring against some of the league’s toughest opponents. He has often struck the net against traditional rivals like KRC Genk, Anderlecht, and AA Gent. This pattern isn’t lost on him; he acknowledges, "We play most often against these teams," with his ability to perform under pressure becoming a talking point among analysts. Filip Joos, one of the noted analysts, highlighted the remarkable performance frequency against top-tier teams, noting, "Your key moments come against the most significant opponents."
This season, Vanaken's on-field performance has been nothing short of stellar, boasting impressive statistics of seven goals and ten assists across all competitions. His strategic positioning and physical resilience have made him invaluable, as he participated from the start in all 27 outings for Club Brugge, with only two occasions where he didn't finish the match. Football journalist Niels Poissonier emphasizes, "Vanaken has been consistent year after year, whether at home or abroad, which puts him right back among the favorites for the Golden Shoe.”
Yet, there are whispers of doubt about whether Vanaken will secure the coveted award again. Nordin Jbari, former Belgian international, expresses his views, stating, "If Vanaken wins again, it might suggest there aren’t enough talented players within our league who can compete at this level.” He casts his doubts, clarifying Vanaken's significant absence from major matches last season, questioning, "Has he truly showcased dominance?"
Jbari’s assessment finds traction when discussing Vanaken's recent performances. Indeed, his contributions were decisive during notable fixtures against Sporting CP and KRC Genk, where he orchestrated the gameplay with simple yet brilliant passes. The argument emerges as analysts dissect the quality of performances. While Vanaken has consistently delivered during league play and European competitions, questions arise around his output during the playoffs, where he managed just one assist over nine games.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding his peak performances, Vanaken’s role extends beyond statistical outputs. He has proven time and again to be clutch during significant matches, playing instrumental roles against well-respected teams, such as Aston Villa and Sporting CP. Simon Mignolet, club goalkeeper and another standout performer, is often credited alongside Vanaken for their roles leading the team. While certain individuals, like Mignolet, might steal the limelight with their performances, it’s undeniable how Vanaken’s plays hold the structure together.
Club Brugge is currently making strides not only nationally but also on the European stage. The team is just one point away from KRC Genk at the top of the Jupiler Pro League and competes fervently to advance to the Champions League knockout stages. The synergy between the players, led by Vanaken’s midfield mastery, has faced challenges this season but stands resilient. His versatility to adapt during the game provides Brugge with options to switch tactics confidently during high-stakes situations.
Vanaken’s future with the club is another area of speculation. Having been with Club Brugge for over ten years now, he is both an icon and leader for the team. Given his recent performances, there’s widespread expectation from both fans and analysts alike for him to secure contract talks soon. "I hope to reach fourteen years, just like Filip Joos did. I have two years left, and I’d love to extend my stay here," he said on Extra Time, hinting at his desire to continue his legacy at the club he loves.
Yet, the discussion about Vanaken's presence on the national team has grown quieter. Under new coach Domenico Tedesco, he seems to have been sidelined, raising questions about his future with the national squad. He personally feels there’s been inadequate communication from Tedesco and seems unaware of his standing, stating it’s just about performing well at Club Brugge to regain recognition. "What can I do if not perform? That's all I can focus on at the moment," he remarked with resolve.
Despite the debate over whether he’s slipped too far down the pecking order of the national team, many still see him as one of the top talents available. His age, 32, suggests he is nearing the twilight years of his career, but with professional grades and commitment like his, the race for the third Golden Shoe title this season may just reignite his international aspirations.
With the playoffs looming and club ambitions high, all eyes remain fixed on Hans Vanaken as he marches on, bringing energy and dynamism to the Club Brugge midfield. Will he crown his extraordinary career with another accolade, proving his naysayers wrong? Time, as always, will tell. One thing is clear: as long as he continues to shine on the pitch, Hans Vanaken will always be at the forefront of Belgian football debates.
