Given the exodus of high earners at Antwerp over the summer, many expected that Dutch striker Vincent Janssen would be a certainty to leave. After 38 goals in 94 games, the striker had shown that he is still capable of scoring goals at this level and could have earned a move away from the club. However, the striker has remained in Belgium and in many ways has adapted his game to suit new head coach Jonas De Roeck. While he has grabbed four goals in 12 games, it is his link up with the other attacking players that has been impressive.
Over the last two seasons, Janssen has been the main goal threat. However, this year, he has molded into a provider rather than a scorer. The former Dutch international had provided six assists in each of his last seasons. This year, he has taken just 12 games to reach six. He is linking up well with Jacob Ondrejka and Tjaronn Chery, both of whom have scored more than Janssen. This has led to a more dynamic attacking trio for the club and a more aesthetically pleasing style of play. Janssen has created 19 chances already this season, many of these for Chery and Ondrejka. The chemistry between the three is evident and De Roeck deserves credit for how he has set the side up to play.
Janssen’s time at Antwerp has been the most successful of his career. With 42 goals in 106 games he ha surpassed his numbers at Almere City, where he started his career, and AZ Alkmaar, where he made a name for himself and earned a move to Tottenham and the Premier League. While a top five league is perhaps beyond the striker now, he can still be a key player in a league like the Belgian Pro League. It would be quite something if Janssen ended up leading the league in assists this season, a sign of his evolution as a player under De Roeck.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
