Part of KV Mechelen’s resurgence this season has come as their summer signing, Daam Foulon, has begun to find his feet in the Pro League. The former Belgian youth international ended a three year spell in Italy with Benevento to return to his country of birth. Foulon signed for Mechelen and after a slow start has really begun to make the left-back and left-wing back spot his own.
KV Mechelen under Besnik Hasi have gone from relegation candidates to knocking on the door of the top six. Foulon has been a major part of that, enjoying his role wide left as Hasi switched to a back three. The defender has two goals and two assists this season, but those numbers don’t do justice to his performances. He is already just one goal shy of the total he managed in 86 game for Benevento across their Serie A and Serie B campaigns.
According to FotMob’s data, he ranks in the top 85% of full-backs in the Pro League for shot attempts, aerial duels won and goals. Despite perhaps not appearing to be overly skillful, his dribbling success rate of 67.5% is by no means a hinderance. He has certainly enjoyed the chance to get further forward in his new role, scoring high in terms of touches in the opposition box and the willingness he has to shoot.
What helps Mechelen the most is that Foulon is happy to work in transition. He can spring the side forward if needs be, but also has the energy and desire to get back and help the defence. Without the goals and assists he is unlikely to garner much attention, but anyone who has watched a KV Mechelen game this season will appreciate how important he has been to the side during their upturn in form.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
