On August 31st, Aston Villa’s Leander Dendoncker joined Belgian side Anderlecht on a loan deal, with an option for a permanent transfer. The midfielder, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Napoli, had difficulty securing a regular spot in Unai Emery’s lineup at Villa.
Returning to his homeland with Anderlecht has provided Dendoncker with a chance to regain form and playing time, clocking in a full 720 minutes across eight matches. His performances have been notable, as he’s been trusted with the captain’s armband for most of these appearances, bringing veteran leadership to a youthful Anderlecht squad.
Over the weekend, Dendoncker took on an unfamiliar role, filling in as a center-back in Anderlecht’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Club Brugge. Speaking to DAZN, as reported by Voetbal Primeur, the 29-year-old midfielder didn’t hold back in critiquing his side’s lack of drive and energy against the formidable Brugge lineup. “You could see that Club Brugge wanted it much more today,” Dendoncker stated, reflecting on the team’s attitude. “I think we lacked that a little bit. It starts with the will to really win, and they had that more today, so you start with an advantage.”
Dendoncker’s comments, expressing disappointment in his teammates’ effort levels, didn’t go unnoticed. Former Belgian international and ex-Anderlecht star Marc Degryse was quick to voice his criticism, feeling that both Dendoncker and his teammates fell short of Anderlecht’s standards. Speaking to *Het Laatste Nieuws*, with his thoughts shared further by Voetbal Primeur, Degryse conveyed his frustration with the team’s recent performances, suggesting they had been underwhelming for a club of Anderlecht’s stature.
“Anderlecht were immediately grabbed by the throat by Club Brugge,” Degryse commented. “For me, it’s incomprehensible how Anderlecht came out on top. Last week, I was already critical after their disgrace against Beerschot. Now, it was even worse.”
The former forward also took direct aim at Dendoncker, questioning the loanee’s position as a leader on the pitch. “And in the back… Guys, right, Dendoncker! This was a new low for him and for Anderlecht,” he asserted. “I don’t know what problems Dendoncker has, but I have never seen so little enthusiasm from a captain and from someone who has to pull things along.”
Degryse’s dissatisfaction extended to Dendoncker’s post-match comments, where he admitted Anderlecht lacked Club Brugge’s intensity and drive. The criticism reflects broader concerns about Anderlecht’s current form and mentality, as the team has not managed to display the sharpness and resilience expected of a club with such a legacy.
Reflecting on the game itself, Club Brugge’s determination was evident from the outset, as they consistently pushed Anderlecht onto the defensive. Despite Dendoncker’s attempts to rally the defense in his new center-back role, Club Brugge’s forwards persistently tested the Anderlecht backline, with their fans creating an electric atmosphere that appeared to lift their team’s morale even further. Anderlecht, by contrast, seemed hesitant and lacked the dynamism needed to control the game.
Degryse’s disappointment hints at a more significant issue within Anderlecht’s squad, specifically around leadership and intensity. For Anderlecht supporters and Belgian football analysts alike, the criticism from an esteemed former player like Degryse underscores the expectation that players like Dendoncker—particularly those serving as captains—should exhibit a higher level of engagement and energy on the field.
Dendoncker’s transition back to Belgian football was anticipated to provide Anderlecht with seasoned experience and mental resilience, especially as the team seeks to climb the ranks in the Jupiler Pro League. However, the draw with Club Brugge exposes lingering issues in the squad’s mentality and cohesion, raising questions about their readiness for a league challenge this season.
Ultimately, Degryse’s comments serve as a stern reminder for Anderlecht of the pride and performance standards associated with the club. For Dendoncker, this period at Anderlecht could represent a pivotal chapter in his career—a chance to assert himself not only as a player but as a leader capable of inspiring those around him. While his critique of his teammates points to a candid approach to leadership, it’s evident that a strong, unified response from the squad will be essential to put their season back on track.