Charleroi mid-season review: Rik De Mil’s side a striker away from a real chance of the top six | OneFootball

Charleroi somehow ended the first portion of the Pro League season in 7th place. The tight nature of the league means that their run of one loss in five saw them jump from near the relegation zone to just outside play off one. However, this doesn’t mean they haven’t got a real chance of finishing higher. They are underperforming in many of the metrics, with their xG of 33.3 resulting in just 21 goals. Clearly, the side are creating enough chances, but their conversion is letting them down.

In recent weeks Serbian striker Nikola Stulic has shown he may well be the answer to their striking problems. The 23-year-old has scored three goals in eight games so far, the second most for the team. Daan Heymans is set to have a career year with eight goals already, while midfielder Adem Zorgane continues to impress with four assists. How the Algerian is still at the club is a mystery to many, as he is clearly talented enough to play in one of the top leagues in Europe.

Transfer needs

If Rik De Mil isn’t convinced by Stulic, a goal scorer would be helpful. They have signed so many strikers in recent years yet none have come off. In many ways, their transfer business on the whole recently has been pretty poor, with a few exceptions in the likes of Aiham Ousou and Jeremy Petris. Clearing out some players that are surplus to requirements may be the best course of action for the Zebras this winter before looking to bring anyone else in.

If the Zebras can make in into the top six, that would be a fantastic season. Stulic may well be the determining factor for this if they do not sign a striker in the window.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson