A few hours before the (re)premiere of Antwerp in the Champions League, Arthur Vermeeren (Lier, Belgium, 2005) It already sounds like it’s for Barcelona. “I won’t give you any information because if I gave it to you I would sign you immediately,” he declared. van Bommelcoach of the Belgian club and former Barcelona, at a press conference after beating Mechelen when asked about his ‘wonder boy’.
In Belgium they are clear: Barcelona has become accustomed to sending scouts to Bosuil to follow the young midfielder. “The new Iniesta, the new Xavi, the new Busquets…” is what the Belgian media ‘HLN’ comments when talking about Lier’s talent.
A footballer who debuted last year, at the age of 17, being fundamental to achieving the league, the cup and the super cup that the Flemish club has won in recent months. At the same time, he was chosen as the best young player in the Belgian league in 2022/23 in a vote carried out by the footballers of said championship themselves.
Vermeeren, in a match with Antwerp.
Frantic climb
“Football is still a ‘hobby’ for me,” he declared in an interview with ‘HLN’ granted in 2022. At that time he was beginning to make a place for himself in the first team. Now he is preparing to listen to the Champions League anthem. “I hope to score a goal,” he stated in the preview.
‘Turke’, as he is known in Belgium, is already knocking on the door of the Belgian senior team. Many did not understand that in September it was with the U21 and not with the ‘big boys’. Maybe it will be there in October. Van Bommel spoke about it saying that he saw it as ready. He and his midfield partner, Mandela Keita, are two budding talents who dominate Belgian football with their aggressive play, bravery and audacity.
Vermeeren, despite his youth, has his feet on the ground. He talks like he plays football. With order and character. The head well furnished and without fear in front of the microphone, as in the field with rivals. A pivot with good positional play and ball handling, but also daring when going towards the opposite area.
Vermeeren, in a match with the Belgian youth teams.
Van Bommel’s advice
“One of the things the coach usually says is that I have to dare to play my own game. He also insists that sometimes I have to be closer to my rival. And he also believes that it is important that he analyzes the area carefully and always has an open mind,” he declares when asked what van Bommel, who was also a midfielder, teaches him.
I am someone who tries to set a good example in the field
Arthur Vermeeren
He doesn’t feel like a leader, at least on a verbal level… but he does on the field. “I’m someone who tries to set a good example on the field. Even more than my football ability, I think my mentality is my strong point,” he defends on ‘HLN’.
If in a race I have to run 10 kilometers, I will do 12…
Arthur Vermeeren
Vermeeren is now working on growing physically. He is 1.80 meters tall and is growing in muscle. “If in a race I have to run 10 kilometers, I will do 12…”, he comments with a laugh as he looks at the Champions League, dreaming of leaving his mark there as well.
2023-09-18 11:03:42
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