Football Season Guide

Antwerp enjoyed a generally excellent first season upon promotion back to the top division but frustration over narrowly missing out on the top five from a great position was understandable. Laszlo Boloni developed a pretty effective style during his first season with the Good Old, focusing on midfield stability but having genuine pace up front. Moreover, whenever Obbi Oulare was fit to lead the attack, the team looked really promising and excelled. The signs for the season ahead are not looking that great for the moment, however, as Antwerp lost some quality players and still have some holes to fill in the squad. Oulare never really managed to stay fit long enough to have lasting impact and is back at his parent club and the likes of Richie de Last, Sebastian Siani and Stallone Limbombe, all of whom played a major role last season, are off to either their parent clubs or to new adventures. Daniel Opare is a standout signing so far as the experienced former Standard Liege right-back will provide thrust and energy, even if he has been in relative decline for the past few years. Otherwise, the only other noteworthy new addition is Simen Jukleröd, who has joined from Norwegian side Vålerenga. There is a real gap to be filled in attack as neither William Owusu, nor Ivo Rodrigues look ready to be the focal point up front for the long term. On the other hand, players like Sambou Yatabare, Dino Arslanagic and Jelle van Damme bring lots of assurance and experience in midfield and defence while Sinan Bolat was excellent on goal last season and will look to keep it going. It is a bit hard to judge the Antwerp squad at the moment as they have undoubted quality in a few positions but still need more depth and some new players good enough to be regulars as well. But Boloni is an old fox who knows how to maximise what he has and the fans will be hoping for progress to be made on last-season's mid-table finish, even if may look a bit too optimistic at the moment.