In a disappointing season so far, KRC Genk didn’t have any problems against Beerschot, who are currently bottom of the table by quite a margin, in a 4-1 win. In Bernd Storck’s fourth match as manager, after taking over from John van den Brom, Genk set up in a 4-3-3 formation with two controlling midfielders and Carel Eiting in a more free role in front of them.
Genk controlled the game against Beerschot and played a really patient build-up play trying to look for gaps in the Beerschot defense. After 20 minutes Junya Ito found midfielder Hrosovsky in the box, who opened the score. Around ten minutes later Ito was important for Genk for the second time this game, this time as the goal scorer. After a good cross from right back Muñoz, Ito popped up in the box and tapped the ball in. In the second half Beerschot starting to play a little more offensive, but again it was Genk who scored. After Ito was fouled in the box Théo Bongonda converted the penalty. Beerschot replied with a goal of their own, but in injury time KRC Genk struck again. The 19-year old András Németh managed to grab a goal on his debut.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, re-watch
- D – Below average in this match
Maarten Vandevoordt
Player profile:
- Nationality: Belgian
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 16/02/2002
- Current club: KRC Genk
- Career: KRC Genk
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Preferred foot: Right
At the age of 17 Maarten Vandevoordt already made his debut for Genk in the league. He lost his spot as the first-choice goalkeeper after a shoulder injury, but he reclaimed his spot in the starting eleven last season under manager John van der Brom. The youngster now already has over 50 games of experience with KRC Genk and is now linked with a huge move to RB Leipzig.
Vandevoordt certainly won’t be happy that he didn’t keep a clean sheet against Beerschot. After Carlos Cuesta made a big mistake in midfield, Suzuki found Noubissi on the edge of the box. Marius Noubissi slotted the ball nicely into the far corner and didn’t give Vandevoordt any chance whatsoever of saving the ball. The 19-year old goalkeeper didn’t have a very busy game against Beerschot. In the 61st minute he had to make his first save, easily catching a shot from very far out. Not long after he had to chance to show his qualities, when Felipe Avenatti was suddenly one on one with him. Vandervoort came out very well, making his goal small, and did well to save the ball with his left foot.
The Belgian goalkeeper was active throughout the whole game though. He often got the ball back from his defenders in build-up and showed that he is fine footballer. He displayed good distribution and wasn’t afraid to use his weaker left foot is he needed to.
Rating – A2
Maarten Vandevoordt is a huge talent, but I think staying at KRC Genk for at least one more season is best for him. Going to Leipzig would mean he most likely would be their second choice, which of course isn’t desirable for him.
Mujaid Sadick
Player profile:
- Nationality: Spanish/Nigerian
- Age: 21
- Date of birth: 14/03/2000
- Current club: KRC Genk
- Career: Deportivo La Coruña, KRC Genk
- Position: Centre Back
- Secondary position: Right Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Mujaid Sadick played as the right sided centre back next to Jhon Lucumí in Genk’s 4-3-3. The 21-year old defender almost played a faultless match, but made one big mistake which almost cost Genk a goal. When Lawrence Shankland dropped back a little to pick up the ball, Sadick stepped out of the defensive line, leaving a huge gap. Shankland then flicked on the ball to Avenatti, who on his turn had a one on one with Vandervoordt. Luckily for Sadick the goalkeeper made a huge save.
This mistake stands in big contrast with the rest of the match that Sadick played. He played a solid game besides this moment and defended very composed, knowing well when he could step forward. KRC Genk played quite a low defensive line with the two controlling midfielders just in front of them and quite a big gap to the three attacks. When they had the ball on Beerschot’s half however Sadick or Lucumi would often play very high on the half of their opponents. Sadick counter-pressed very well on a few occassions and used his body very well throughout the whole game.
Sadick looked very calm on the ball. He mostly played short passes to Lucumi or one of the two controlling midfielders, but also displayed some magnificent passing range with switches to the left. He also wasn’t scared to step into the midfield with the ball at his feet. His dribbling looked fine overall, only he turned quite slow with the ball.
Rating – A2
Ike Ugbo
Player profile:
- Nationality: Canadian
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 21/08/1998
- Current club: KRC Genk
- Career: Chelsea (Y), MK Dons (Loan), Scunthorpe United (Loan), Roda JC (Loan), Cercle Brugge (Loan)
- Position: Striker
- Preferred foot: Right
After Junya Ito got a penalty for Genk, he first gave the ball to Ike Ugbo to take the penalty, but in the end Theo Bongonda was the one who claimed the ball. I almost bad for the Canadian striker, born in London, who played a fantastic game, but was just very unlucky with his finishing against Beerschot. Ugbo had two moments where he made a great run from his opponent’s blindspot and got in a 1v1 with a goalkeeper. The first time the goalkeeper saved his chip really well and the second time the pass was just too far from him to reach well.
Ugbo normally doesn’t start for Genk, who normally have Paul Onuachu as their starting striker. The Nigerian is currently out with a hamstring injury and might even leave Genk this transfer window, which could be very good news for Ugbo. Against Beerschot Ugbo filled Onuachu’s role perfectly. Standing at 6’0” Ugbo isn’t quite as tall as Onuachu, who is 6’7”, but his hold up play was outstanding. He often received the ball with his back to the goal and an opponent pressing him, but did very well to find his teammates.
Technically he looked great. He didn’t seem to make any errors with his first touches and easily controlled some difficult high passes. Some of his touches allowed him to easily turn away from his opponent and start a dribble.
Rating – B1
A very promising game from Ugbo. The next few weeks could be very important for him, with Onuachu possibly leaving.
Carel Eiting
Player profile:
- Nationality: Dutch
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 11/02/1998
- Current club: KRC Genk
- Career: Ajax, Huddersfield (Loan), KRC Genk
- Position: Centre Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Carel Eiting played just in front of Heynen and Hrosovsky in sort of a free role on the midfield. He moved a lot towards both sides and was often involved in short combinations. On the ball Eiting is a very good player. His technique is really good and he has great awareness of his surroundings. He often operated in very small spaces with the goal behind him and almost always found a teammate. Eiting also tried a few very smart passes behind Beerschot’s defense, but they were just too a bit too short.
Eiting’s main weaknesses is his athleticism. He isn’t very tall, standing at 5’10”, lacks some strength and also isn’t the fastest player. Against Beerschot this wasn’t showed too often, since they didn’t press him very urgently most of the time, but against more physical players he could struggle a lot
Rating – B1
Eiting didn’t play fantastic against Beerschot, but can be a very good asset for KRC Genk.