Belgian Pro League Season Review: Cercle Brugge | OneFootball

Finish position: 14th

Overview:

12 months really is a long time in football. Cercle Brugge had their best season in a long time during the 2023/2024 season under Miron Muslic. However, they struggled to juggle European and Pro League football this season. Muslic paid the price, and after two other men had a crack at being head coach, Bernd Storck came in to keep them up via the relegation play-off. In Europe, the side did actual equip themselves quite well, making it through to the Conference League knock-out stages before losing to Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok.

Player of the Season: Thibo Somers

Captain Thibo Somers had the best season of his career despite his sides struggles. The 26-year-old is Cercle through and through and he scored nine goals in 53 games. Some of these came during the play-offs to help keep the side in the hunt for survival. Next season Somers will be able to celebrate 200 appearances for his boyhood side.

Young Player of the Season: Flavio Nazinho

It was quite a turnaround for Flavio Nazinho this season. After being a bit part player last year, he became a regular this year. In 39 games he grabbed two goals and led the side in terms of assists with six. The 21-year-old, formerly of Sporting, will hope to kick on again next season.

Summer needs:

Someone to replace Kevin Denkey, as the side struggled without his goals. They will hope Steve Ngoura can be that man after the striker signed in January. If not, they will need to go shopping. Storck, while not someone who plays the style of play Cercle have been accustomed to in recent seasons, has a track record of getting a lot out of players. He may well be able to do so again with this young side.

Grade: D

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson