After struggles with Nice, Hoffenheim and Sevilla, Kasper Dolberg is having a career year with Anderlecht | OneFootball

During the 2016/2017 season, a young Danish striker announced himself with an impressive 23 goals in just 48 games for Ajax. The Dutch side had picked up the young forward from Silkeborg after just three senior appearances, but it looked like they had unearthed another world talent. Kasper Dolberg was suddenly being linked to some top clubs. He struggled with the pressure the following season with just nine goals in 30 games, while in 2018/2019 he scored 12 in 38. He finally earned his move to a top European league for the 2019/2020 season, but that is where things started to go wrong.

Dolberg’s initial returns for Nice in his debut season were okay, with 11 goals in 26 games. Yet considering that the side had spent around €20m to sign him, expectations were high. However, he then began to struggle for confidence, failing to hit double figures for the next two seasons. He spent the 2022/2023 season out on loan twice, at first with Sevilla and then with Hoffenheim. In La Liga he only made eight scoreless appearances, while in the Bundesliga he managed two goals in 14 games. It was clear he needed a chance of scenery.

That turned out to be Brussels. Anderlecht brought Dolberg in for just €5m and gave him the chance to rejuvenate his career. In his first season at the club, Dolberg grabbed 15 goals in 42 games and the talent was evident. This year, he has gone even better. The side look worse off without their star striker and he has led the way in terms of goals. After putting four past Gent on Wednesday evening, Dolberg has gone beyond his career best numbers almost a decade ago. He has 24 goals this season and counting in 40 games played.

Dolberg now faces a dilemma. His scoring record will undoubtedly attract other clubs in the summer. Yet, perhaps his experience of leaving Ajax and struggling for most of his career will persuade him to remain in Brussels.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson