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Arthur Vermeeren: Is Marseille’s new Midfield Maestro the Next Belgian Busquets?
The Stade Vélodrome is buzzing, and it’s not just the passionate Marseille faithful. A young Belgian midfielder, Arthur Vermeeren, is quietly but surely making his mark in Ligue 1, drawing comparisons that might just make you do a double-take. While he might not be the first name on the team sheet every week under Rudi Garcia, Vermeeren’s recent performances have ignited a conversation among football aficionados: could he be the next Sergio Busquets?
At just 20 years old, Vermeeren has arrived at Olympique de Marseille with considerable hype, having honed his skills in the Antwerp academy. While his integration into the starting XI is a work in progress, his impact on the pitch is becoming undeniable. French media, particularly in the South of France, have been abuzz with praise for the young talent, and it’s easy to see why.
A Comparison to a Legend: The Thierry Siquet Perspective
To understand the growing excitement surrounding Vermeeren, we turned to Thierry siquet, his former coach with the Belgian U19 national team. Siquet, who knows Vermeeren’s game intimately, offered a comparison that speaks volumes about the midfielder’s potential: He reminds me a little of Sergio Busquets.
Siquet elaborated, explaining the subtle brilliance of Vermeeren’s play: We don’t always see it, but when we see it, it’s because the team is working.
“He reminds me a little of Sergio Busquets. We don’t always see it, but when we see it, it’s because the team is working.”
Thierry Siquet, Former Belgian U19 coach
This comparison, while bold, isn’t without merit.Busquets, a Barcelona icon and one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation, was renowned for his unparalleled ability to read the game, dictate tempo, and shield the defense with understated elegance. If Vermeeren can even approach that level of influence, Marseille has unearthed a gem.
Siquet also highlighted Vermeeren’s consistent ability to outshine his peers,even in age-group competitions. This is a testament to his maturity and footballing intelligence. While he’s now stepping up to compete in the Euro U21 qualifiers, a critically important leap from his previous U19 duties, Siquet believes this progression is crucial for his development. He had a less good period which could be a boost for him,
Siquet noted, suggesting that overcoming challenges is part of Vermeeren’s growth trajectory.
Vermeeren’s Role and Potential Impact at Marseille
The tactical nuances of modern football frequently enough hinge on the performance of the holding midfielder. Think of the pivotal roles played by players like N’Golo Kanté in Chelsea’s Premier League and Champions