Former Belgian international Stijn Stijnen said Freddie Potts will earn Club Brugge tens of millions of euros following his recent defensive performances in midfield.
Club Brugge paid a reported 10 million euros to West Ham United for the British midfielder during a heavy period of investment at the Jan Breydelstadion, VoetbalNieuws reported.
While several summer arrivals have struggled to secure regular minutes or convince supporters, Potts has quietly established himself as a vital shield in front of the back four.
“Have you seen Potts against PSV? There he was so strong in breaking up play. He is going to net Club Brugge tens of millions of euros,” Stijnen said on the Ongefilterd podcast.
Stijnen highlighted the defensive midfielder’s ability to break down opposition attacks and provide tactical equilibrium rather than relying on flashy statistics.
“He is a player who goes unnoticed,” Stijnen said of the defensive qualities that keep the team organized.
Not everyone shares that high evaluation within Belgian football circles. Former Anderlecht player Olivier Deschacht expressed a desire for more offensive contribution from the English midfielder.
Stijnen dismissed those concerns by comparing Potts to past midfield anchors who absorbed similar criticism early in their careers.
Stijnen likened the current discourse surrounding Potts to the historical scrutiny faced by Lucas Biglia at Anderlecht and Axel Witsel with the national team.
“It reminds me of the criticism that Lucas Biglia at Anderlecht and Axel Witsel received with the Red Devils,” Stijnen said.
Those players were instrumental in maintaining team balance despite rarely grabbing headlines through goals, assists, or dramatic tackles.
Stijnen emphasized that the primary responsibility of a holding midfielder remains defensive containment, an area where Potts continues to excel.
Club Brugge has experienced a mixed transition period following extensive squad adjustments in the transfer market.
While figures like Yann Sommer have settled into their roles, other recent additions such as Jan Virgili require additional time to adapt to the pace of the Belgian Pro League.
Potts remains an exception among the newcomers, delivering steady performances that satisfy coaching staff demands for positional discipline.
Club Brugge prepares for its upcoming domestic fixture against Anderlecht, where tactical stability in central midfield will remain a primary focus for manager Ivan Leko.
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