Belgian Pro League Season Review: Club Brugge | OneFootball

Finish position: 2nd

Overview:

Club Brugge took the title race down to the final day, but were ultimately pipped by a fantastic Union Saint-Gilloise. Brugge finished four points ahead of Union at the end of the regular season, but a loss at Jan Breydel to their title rivals, followed by a goalless draw in the return fixture, meant they had to rely on other results to go their way. As an attacking unit, Brugge were unstoppable in the league, scoring 86 goals over the 40 games. Christos Tzolis registered 25 goal contributions, with Hans Vanaken also involved in 23.

In their other competitions, Brugge produced a great run to the round of 16 of the Champions League, where they were knocked out by Aston Villa. Their most impressive victory came during the play-off round in Bergamo, where they completely dismantled high-flyers Atalanta, winning 3-1 on the day, and 5-2 on aggregate.

Brugge didn’t finish the season empty-handed, as they won the Croky Cup. Romeo Vermant’s double against Anderlecht in the final ensured Brugge won the tournament for the first time since 2015.

Player of the Season: Ardon Jashari

The 22-year-old Swiss midfielder performed excellently in midfield, winning the Belgian League Player of the Season and the Talent of the Season awards. Having played 2,766 minutes this season, he has scored four and assisted six. His form has meant he has linked with several clubs around Europe, with Brugge putting a €40 million price tag on their star midfielder.

Young Player of the Season: Romeo Vermant

Many candidates could have win this achievement. Ardon Jashari could have easily been given another mention, and Chemsdine Talbi enjoyed a fantastic breakout season. However, Vermant has worked his way into the starting lineup and was hugely influential in the Championship Group. Yet his crowning moment was his double in the Belgian Cup final, scoring both goals as Brugge beat Anderlecht 2-1.

Summer needs:

Brugge are looking for firepower upfront, especially with many Spanish clubs being linked with Ferran Jutglà. One striker they’ve been linked with is Hannover forward Nicolo Tresoldi. The 20-year-old striker scored seven goals in the Bundesliga 2 and would cost around £6 million.

Duo Maxim De Cuyper and Raphael Onyedika has both been linked with moves to AC Milan, and with Jashari wanted by many of Europe’s elite, Brugge’s spine of the team may need rebuilding.

Grade: A

GBENeFN | Samuel Fabre