Pro League End of Season Review: Dender

Finish position: 10th

Overview:

Many predicted (myself included) that Dender were a certainty to be relegated at the end of the 2024/2025 campaign. Instead, Vincent Euvrard guided the side with the lowest budget in the league to a play-off 2 qualification and an eventual 10th place finish. Euvrard and the playing staff deserve a ton of credit for how well they have taken to the Pro League and defied the odds. The second season will likely be harder, but for now, Dender can enjoy a summer knowing they will remain a top flight side.

Player of the Season: David Hrncar

Summer signing David Hrncar was a great pick-up for Dender in the summer. The former Beveren man led the side with six assists in 34 games, as well as four goals. The 27-year-old Slovakian right midfielder was one of the top chance creators according to FotMob when we compare him to other players in his position.

Young Player of the Season: Fabio Ferraro

On the opposite flank, 22-year-old Fabio Ferraro also had a fantastic season. Ferraro was just behind Hrncar with five assists in 38 games, while also grabbing one goal. The former RWDM man took well to the Pro League in his first season as a starter (he previously made one appearance in the top flight for RWDM a season ago). The side will hope he can continue to progress next season.

Summer needs:

Turning some of the loanees into permanent signings. Aurelien Scheidler led the side with nine goals last season, so either bringing him back or finding another player to contribute will be vital to their chances of survival. The side will likely have a slightly larger budget this season, but they should still look to live within their means. They are likely to be favourites for relegation next season, a situation that may suit them as they played well as the underdogs.

Grade: A

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson