Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker was one of several players shifted out of the club this summer as he returned to former side Anderlecht on loan.
Leander Dendoncker knew he had no future at Villa Park when Unai Emery captured multiple midfielders in the transfer window, with Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley and Enzo Barrenechea all joining.
The 29-year-old has rarely featured under Emery since he arrived at the club in October 2022, with Dendoncker restricted to mostly substitute appearances late on in games.
Last season, the Belgian was loaned out to Serie A side Napoli after making just eight appearances for Villa in the Premier League, with his fortunes not turning much in Italy.
Dendoncker was only used on three occasions at Napoli, in what was a confidence knocker for the midfielder, who was desperate for regular playing time elsewhere.
Luckily, Dendoncker made a deadline day loan move to Belgium Pro League side Anderlecht, where he’s since enjoyed his football once more.
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Leander Dendoncker helps Anderlecht pick up Europa League win vs Ferencvaros
Having played 90 minutes in each of their three league matches and captained the side against Genk and Charleroi, Dendoncker was selected as a defensive midfielder for Anderlecht’s Europa League clash against Ferencvaros.
The Belgian giants got off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Yari Verschaeren and Kasper Dolberg while Dendoncker made a vital contribution in midfield.
The former Wolves star was a dominant force in the engine room across his 90 minutes on the pitch, successfully breaking up play and dictating the flow of the game with his passing.
Dendoncker only lost possession five times in the match and posted a 92% pass completion with four accurate long balls played and 77 touches.
He was also a defensive machine as he sat in front of the back four and made two tackles, and two interceptions while winning three of his four contested ground duels.
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Leander Dendoncker could join Anderlecht permanently
Dendoncker was signed during the Steven Gerrard era when Villa were battling towards the bottom of the Premier League.
Now they’re a prominent force gunning for Europe under Emery, the Belgian international is no longer deemed good enough, which is why he was essentially frozen out of his plans.
Villa have evolved into an incredible team under the Spaniard and that means players such as Dendoncker are getting left behind.
With his contract at Villa Park expiring in 2026, Emery may cash in on the versatile midfielder in January or next summer, with Anderlecht agreeing an option to buy him permanently.
That would be the best resolution for both parties, especially since Dendoncker is proving to be a valuable asset at his current club.
