‘Dendoncker is far too passive’: Former Belgian international critical of on loan Aston Villa midfielder | OneFootball

Anderlecht were second best to city rivals Union St Gilloise this weekend. The side lost the Brussels derby 2-0 as their poor start to the play-offs continue. Besnik Hasi’s men are yet to win a game in the post-season. During the weekly Extra Time show, former Belgian international midfielder Franky Van der Elst was not impressed by on loan midfielder Leander Dendoncker. The former player said of Dendoncker’s role in the opening goal ‘I think Dendoncker is far too passive after Thorgan Hazard lost the ball. You can’t lose the ball like this, but okay. Then you’re number 6 and you’re still in front of the ball. While the ball is lost 10 metres in front of him. Then you have to sprint a little to cover that zone. But he walks past the ball‘.

It has been reported for some time now that Anderlecht are highly unlikely to pick up the purchase option they have as part of the deal that saw Dendoncker join them on loan. He has played 35 times for the club, with one goal and one assist. However, there haven’t been enough standout performances that could justify the amount the club would need to pay to bring him in permanently.

His future is certainly up in the air when he returns to England, as he is clearly not part of Unai Emery’s plans for Aston Villa going forward.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson