SK Beveren Returns to Belgian Pro League with New Leadership
After a lengthy absence, SK Beveren is back in the Belgian Pro League. Previously known as Waasland-Beveren, the club has undergone a name change while maintaining its loyal fan base and home ground. Last season, they dominated the Challenger Pro League, securing the title with a team characterized by seasoned players. This year, under the guidance of new head coach Tim Bakens, the club faces the challenge of preserving its league status. Fans will be hopeful that the experience within the squad will aid in a successful campaign.
Transfers in: Johannes Schenk (Preußen Münster, loan), Milan De Schutter (Hoogstraten VV), Yoni Gomis (Strasbourg, loan), Cheick Conde (Venezia), Dominic Thompson (Kilmarnock), Leandre Kuavita (Standard Liege)
Advertisement
Transfers out: Jannes Van Hecke (NAC Breda), Beau Reus (Hearts)
Key player: Lennart Mertens
At 33 years old, Mertens has shown impressive scoring capability in the past few seasons, netting 20 goals in 32 games in the second tier of Belgian football. His contributions played a significant role in Beveren’s title victory. The veteran forward now aims to replicate this success at a higher level, and his performance, especially aiming for at least 10 goals this season, could be crucial for the team’s overall success.
Young player to watch: Chris Lokesa
SK Beveren’s squad features few youngsters, but 21-year-old Chris Lokesa stands out as a player to monitor in the upcoming season. Arriving mid-season from RKC Waalwijk, where he tallied four goals and four assists in 19 appearances, Lokesa made 13 appearances for Beveren, scoring three and assisting once. With valuable experience from the Eredivisie, he is expected to be a creative source for the team this year, contributing goals and assists from the flanks.
Its been a long time coming, but SK Beveren are finally back in the Belgian Pro League. Last time they were here they were known as Waasland-Beveren, but the name has changed but the ground and fans have largely stayed the same. They romped to the title in the Challenger Pro League with a largely experienced side. This year, however, they have a new head coach in Tim Bakens. Can he get the same out of this squad as his predecessor managed? Time will tell, but SK Beveren fans will be hoping their experienced side will help them stay in the league this season.
Transfers in: Johannes Schenk (Preußen Münster, loan), Milan De Schutter (Hoogstraten VV), Yoni Gomis (Strasbourg, loan), Cheick Conde (Venezia), Dominic Thompson (Kilmarnock), Leandre Kuavita (Standard Liege)
Advertisement
Transfers out: Jannes Van Hecke (NAC Breda), Beau Reus (Hearts),
Key player: Lennart Mertens
Mertens may be 33, but in the past few years he has been scoring for fun in the second tier of Belgian football. 20 goals in 32 games is a fantastic return and a key reason why Beveren won the league so convincingly. Can the veteran forward now make the step up? He is the sides best option up front, and their success this season may depend on his ability to hit at least 10 goals this campaign.
Young player to watch: Chris Lokesa
Beveren don’t have many youngsters, but 21-year-old Lokesa may be one to keep an eye on next season. He joined midway through last season from RKC Waalwijk, where he had scored four goals and provided four assists in 19 games. He went on to play 13 times for Beveren, scoring three and adding one assist. Despite his age, he has plenty of top flight experience across the border with Waalwijk when they were in the Eredivisie. Can he push on this year with Beveren and be a source of creativity and goals from out wide?
[/gpt3]