While Genk’s Mike Penders has been the talk of many when it comes to teenage goalkeepers in Belgium following his move to Chelsea, over in Liege another young teenager is showing great potential between the sticks. Standard Liege are trying to offload Arnaud Bodart, and it is clear to see why. His wages are high, and in Matthieu Epolo they have a player that could surpass Bodart in terms of talent. So far this season, the 19-year-old has kept four clean sheets in five games, and in most of these matches he has been called into action plenty of times.
Even then, in the only game he did concede a goal he was incredibly busy after Standard went down to 10 men. He made seven saves and faced an xG of 2.37 against Kortrijk. This was just the latest in a string of impressive performances from the teenager who will surely be one that Europe’s elite are scouting. Epolo made 25 appearances for the sides second team in the Belgian second tier last season before making his senior debut during the play-offs. After impressing during his four appearances, Ivan Leko clearly felt confident enough to give the teenager the starting gig this season.
Standard are struggling financially, so being able to progress a player of Epolo’s talents from the academy to the first team so quickly means they can cash in on Bodart and free up some wages without damaging the side on the pitch too much. Penders may well be the one that everyone has their eye on, but expect to see Epolo mentioned soon.
Given the depth of goalkeeping talent in Belgium, earning the starting place for the Red Devils in the future will be incredibly competitive. Penders, Epolo and RB Leipzig’s Maarten Vandervoordt will all be in with a shout. Epolo does have another option however. The player is also eligible to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo. He could certainly be their best goalkeeper since the legendary Robert Kidiaba, famous for his celebration. As of now, Epolo has been capped at youth level by Belgium and is likely confident in his ability to compete with the others for the starting spot in the future. His experience at such a young age with Standard should should serve him well.
Epolo is certainly one to keep an eye on during the season.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
