Yari Verschaeren: I am not going to compare myself to one of the best football players in the world

Speaking ahead of their Europa Conference League clash with Villareal, Yari Verschaeren was asked about his coach comparing him to the Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric. As reported by Het Nieuwsblad, Verschaeren was keen to keep expectations low. The midfielder said ‘I am not going to compare myself to one of the best football players in the world‘.

The 21-year-old did go on to say ‘It’s nice when our trainer says that, but I’m not even close to what Modric has already achieved. I keep my feet on the ground and try to do my best for the team’.

Brian Riemer compared Verschaeren to Modric following the sides previous second leg tie against Ludogorets, in which the Brussels based side won 2-1 before finishing things off on penalties. It was Verschaeren who put the winning penalty away, following Bart Verbruggen’s heroics in goal.

Against Villareal Anders Dreyer scored an equaliser for Anderlecht in Brussels which means they will go away from home at 1-1. Anderlecht will be hoping to replicate the incredible performance of fellow Belgian side Gent. Going to Istanbul, the Buffaloes were also level at 1-1. However, a rapid fire hat-trick from Gift Orban and a goal from Hugo Cuypers saw the side win 4-1 on the night and comfortably progress to the next round.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

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