The Race for Charles De Ketelaere
Arsenal, Leicester, Milan, Leeds United are all after the Belgian youngster known as Charles De Ketelaere. He seems to be one of the most sought out youngsters in the world at the moment but why is that the case? Before we go into the transfer rumors and his predicted position within each respective club, it is crucial to realise his positions of play and his technical prowess.
For Club Brugge, De Ketelaere’s most played position was the Centre Forward role where he scored had a G/A of 28 in 47 games. Due to his height profile and his adaptability, he has been played in various positions such as center forward, left winger, central midfield, left wingback, attacking midfield, and even left back. Some point his versatility as a weakness whereas some consider it to be a strength.
“De Ketelaere should not be fooled,I hear them say it is an advantage for Charles to play in so many positions. I think that’s nonsense, De Ketelaere has to claim a position, or they’ll keep moving him around.” wrote football expert Marc Degryse in the Het Laatste Nieuws recently. His versatility is thought to be a factor which prevents him from excelling in a one specific position. However, his managers unsurprisingly hold the opposite opinion. In a recent interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Martínez stated, “Good players can play anywhere. With his left foot, he is able to make the final ball, he can take the ball in any position and he has the physicality to defend and cover the entire field. It is pointless to put him in a cage from one position now. I enjoy Charles as a left back, as number ten, as number nine. Playing in different positions allows a player to grow physically.”
Strengths:
- Passes around and in the penalty box
In the 2020–21 season of the Jupiler Pro League, he had one of the highest deep completion passing rates and accurate passes into the box, beating several JPL midfielders and attackers with around a 2.4/90 minutes and 3.3/90 minutes respectively. — Wyscout
2. Offensive Duels
As a result of his height and frame, he’s able to shield the ball a lot better in comparison to the shorter wingers such as Ito and Jeremy Doku, allowing him to swiftly change direction and leave players on the ground.
3. Defensive Workrate
His biggest strength which makes him far more unique than other attackers is his defensive workrate. Charles is constantly involved in the defensive side of the game and still manages to keep up with the pace of counterattacks, making him one of the strikers with the most endurance in the current format of football.
Weaknesses:
- Finishing
He will far too often take a high-risk shot from outside the box rather than driving into the area, creating space for himself, and attempting a low, speculating shot, wasting a possible opportunity. Though it’s important to note that he consistently makes well-timed runs into the box, his finishing abilities may use development. Far too frequently, he chooses poorly where to position his shot in front of goal. Although he does not currently take many shots, he will be a much more useful asset when he does get into scoring situations with better shot placement and selection.
2. Aerial Duels
Despite being 1.92 m / 6'4" tall, he is still a lightweight attacker who suffers in aerial duels and even appears to fear them. This gives him a major disadvantage in comparison to out and out forwards who are highly efficient in converting aerial chances such as Lautaro Martinez.
The current transfer news on Charles De Ketelaere
Milan:
A right-winger or No.10 is seen as more of a priority because Milan’s defence, which was the best in Serie A last season, struggled at times last year with precision and chance creation.
However, it’s interesting to note that the Italian outlet asserts Milan are prepared to “raise the white flag” over De Ketelaere. They contend that they are unable to raise their starting offer and that they are unable to meet Brugges’ demand.
“Leicester feel his versatility could fill the right-flank position that has been a problem ever since Riyad Mahrez moved to Manchester City four years ago. They’ve tried different potential solutions — Rachid Ghezzal, Fousseni Diabate and Cengiz Under — without success.”
De Ketelaere could be the answer at last and is adaptable enough to slot into other roles because manager Brendan Rodgers frequently changes formations, but Leicester fear his stock has risen so fast that he could now be out of their reach financially, especially as they are yet to make any room in their squad this summer with outgoings.
De Ketelaere may also be given a far more consistent part in Leeds United’s attack. Divock Origi’s latest acquisition by Milan makes the competition there even tougher.
De Ketelaere may develop his game relatively swiftly and get stronger and better by playing every week for Leeds. As a result, the player could view a move to Elland Road as a stepping stone for something larger and greater in the future, as demonstrated by Raphinha. To close a deal, though, Leeds will have to move quickly. According to recent reports, the Whites started the bidding with a £25.8 million offer, and Club Brugges’ price was also made public.
Arsenal, the most recent participant in the competition, may be interested in De Ketelaere given his versatility. Martin and Emile, though, are two strong performers for Mikel Arteta at the position. Additionally, Arsenal recently acquired Fabio Vieira from Porto, which essentially guarantees a tonne of depth in the position.
However, given De Ketelaere’s versatility to play up front and in the middle of the field, he may be a key target to help the Gunners’ roster gain more strength and quality. The Belgian is a talent of a generation and can be a fantastic addition to any side that is interested, including Arsenal. However, consistent playing time is required for him to keep up his present form, which may be problematic at the Emirates.
All in all, the transfer race is one with a ton of suspense, bids and excitement! Each fanbase of the respective suitors will be hoping to get their hands on the Belgian prodigy, coined as the next De Bruyne. We’ll just have to wait and watch how far the bidding race goes and if De Ketelaere even decides to leave Club Brugge.
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