It looks like Everton will have to notch up a level in their pursuit for the Belgian wonder kid Youri Tielemans. According to recent reports, Anderlecht legend Paul Van Himst has expressed his opinion that the 19-year-old should consider staying with the Belgian side for one more season soon after recent reports have stated that he is looking to move to England this summer.
Admitting that Tielemans has a high chance of leaving at the end of the season, Himst was quoted as saying by Sporza, “One of the things he can still improve is that he sometimes needs to increase the tempo of his game. In fact, he’d be better if he remains at Anderlecht for one more year, but he will leave. Many young players have left a year too early, but it is also difficult as they come with such high sums for the players, the agent and the club. And the choice is made.”
Tielemans has been hugely impressive over the last couple of seasons and has been widely tipped for a big-money move to one of Europe’s heavyweights. At only 19, the talented midfielder already has played over 150 games for the senior Anderlecht side, which include competitions at the highest level like Champions League and Europa League.
Premier League clubs have already taken interest in him with Tottenham Hotspur and Everton leading the race. Last month, former Belgium international Marc Degryse had urged Tielemans to consider offers from clubs where he is likely to get more playing time. And although many have advised him against moving out, the time is now ripe to make the step up.
Looking at the huge number of Premier League plying their trade in the English premier League in the likes of Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas, Michy Batshuayi and more, it seems like the ideal platform where Tielemans can try and increase his tempo.
Tielemans specialises through the central midfield and excels both on the defensive and offensive from that position. He has scored 12 goals in 25 appearances and providing eight assists so far. He also starred in Anderlecht’s last game when they comfortably won against Genk with a two goal and Tielemans was on the scoresheet.
Although his small frame doesn’t quite fit the English Premier League eligibility criteria, his passing abilities and vision should overshadow it. Getting first team chances, however, will be an uphill task for Tielemans in Goodison Park as he has to compete with the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Gareth Barry, James McCarthy, Idrissa Gueye and the upcoming local hero Tom Davies.
