GBENEFN Awards 2022/2023 | The Belgian Pro League Nominees | OneFootball

Antwerp’s dramatic late title sealing goal capped off another dramatic season in the Belgian Pro League. With everything now wrapped up, it’s time for you, our readers, to vote for the best player in each position, as well as a number of other categories such as; U23 player of the season, signing of the season, coach of the season and overall player of the season.

Firstly, to goalkeeper of the season. Jean Butez (Antwerp) kept the most clean sheets, but Maarten Vandevoordt (Genk) led the league in save percentage with 73.3%, just over a percent more than Butez. Radoslaw Majecki (Cercle Brugge) put in a number of top quality performances, leading the league with 6.5 goals prevented thanks to saving three of the 14 penalties he faced during the season. Burkina Faso number one Herve Koffi (Charleroi) came third in save percentage with 70.9%, while also having an average of 3.3 saves per match.

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At right-back, it will be hard to look beyond Daniel Munoz (Genk). The Colombian has had an incredible season, with the 27-year-old scoring eight goals and providing five assists across 36 league games. hot on his heels is 21-year-old defender Louis Patris (OH Leuven). The youngster did play at center-back as well during the campaign, but while on the right-hand-side he grabbed an incredible six assists to lead the team. former Feyenoord man Bart Nieuwkoop (Union St Gilloise) had another strong season for Union as they were just pipped to the title once again. The 27-year-old Dutchman scored three goals nad provided three assists as he contributed at both ends for the Brussels side. Jelle Bataille (Antwerp) forced his way into being first choice at right-back for Antwerp this season. He started all six play-off games and gave the crucial assist for the league winning goal, his fourth of the season.

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At central defence, Toby Alderweireld (Antwerp) was always going to be a candidate. He lead at the back, and ultimately did so at the front as well with the title winning goal. Joining last summer on a free, he helped Antwerp to having the best defence in the league and a historic double. Genk had the second best defence during the season, with American Mark McKenzie being ever present at the heart of it. He looked comfortable at this level and even contributed some goals, proving to be a danger from set pieces. Gent were desperate to make the loan signing of Jordan Torunarigha from Hertha Berlin permanent in the summer, and it is clear to see why. Good on the ball, and with enough pace to cause many strikers a headache, it was another impressive season for the 25-year-old German. Sint-Truiden are built on a solid defence, and no one epitomizes this more than their captain Toni Leistner. He will be a big loss this season, with the German leading the side to concede just 40 goals in 34 matches.

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Left-back’s were led by Club Brugge loanee Maxim De Cuyper (Westerlo). The 22-year-old was outstanding for the newly promoted side all season and will be a huge loss in the summer when he returns to his parent club. Nine goals and seven assists from De Cuyper is what led to Westerlo making it into play-off two. Bjorn Meijer (Club Brugge) had a great first season for Club Brugge, even if they ultimately fell short of defending their title. The 20-year-old scored three goals and provided six assists for the side, and many will speculate what happens with both he and De Cuyper next season. Gerardo Arteaga had a solid season for Genk as they battled for the title. The Mexican scored two and provided three, but was a constant runner on the left-hand side to give extra width and put pressure on opposition wingers. Loic Lapoussin (Union St Gilloise) could go down as a winger or a full-back, such is his versatility. But as Nieuwkoop made it into the other section, the Madagascan earns a place here. Three goals and four assists don’t leap off the page, but anyone who has watched Union will know the talent that the 27-year-old has, as well as the motor he possesses to get up and down that left-hand side. Against Club Brugge during a game in October 2022, he singlehandedly played both left-back and left-wing when the side went down to 10 men, making it feel like both sides still had 11 on the pitch.

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The next selections for midfield and attack will follow this week, as well as the rest of the categories.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson