Arthur Vermeeren: Profile, playing style, scouting report

Who is the Belgian wonderkid that major clubs are looking to pursue?

Arthur Vermeeren is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Royal Antwerp in the Belgian professional league. Vermeeren has been a part of the Belgian side since his youth days, he made his youth academy debut in 2018 and continued to be a part of the youth team, he has also played for the second team of the club for the 2021-22 season.

Vermeeren is a technically gifted player with excellent passing ability. He is also a good dribbler and has a good vision of the game. He is a creative player who can create chances for his teammates. The 18-year-old midfielder has represented the Belgian U-17, 18, 19 and 21 sides as well. He has caught the attention of clubs like Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Player history

Arthur Vermeeren was born on February 7, 2005, in Lier, Belgium. He was an integral part of the Antwerp's side that won the Belgian title last season. Vermeeren played over 3,000 minutes for Royal Antwerp last season, becoming a regular for his side as they finished third in the regular season of the Belgian League.

His performances for the Belgian side were tipped by Mark van Bommel, who believes the youngster can represent the Belgium senior national team. In this season alone, he has played all the matches for the Belgian club and has two assists in all competitions.

Vermeeren has been highlighted in particular for his excellent play, especially standing out in the defensive duties he has taken on. He has been watched out by the scouts of Blaugrana last season, Barcelona are still looking to fill up the void left by Sergio Busquets. His defensive stability has opened doors for him from clubs from the Premier League as well, a number of teams from the PL are keeping an eye on the young midfielder.

Arthur Vermeeren's Playing style

Despite his average frame, he is quite strong physically and feels very comfortable in contact situations. He has been termed as the "Next Iniesta" which in itself is a huge comparison to make for a young midfielder. Due to his high IQ level and awareness on the field has helped him to make strides in his career.

He is considered to be one of the best young centre-midfield players in Europe. Erik ten Hag has made him the top priority for the winter transfer window, the Dutch manager feels that he could provide more stability to his squad in terms of the defensive-midfield position.

He could actually be a good fit alongside Casemiro because he is very accurate and tenacious tackler who likes an active style of defending by getting into challenges and pressing opponents to win balls in difficult positions and retain position. He has a superb work rate, can also work with his weaker left-foot and his recovery rate is one of his special attributes. He is a very interesting modern day midfielder with an interesting mix of a ball-winning midfielder and a controlling midfielder.

In modern day football, his style of play can be compared with Joshua Kimmich's style of play. Vermeeren has the ability to be a regular starter of a big club and the kind of clubs trying to approach him, he can improve as a player and develop his game under the likes of Xavi, Erik ten Hag or Jurgen Klopp. His future is quite bright looking at his last season highlights and the start he has had this season.