Belgian Pro League 2020/21 – Waasland Beveren v Royal Mouscron – tactical analysis

Waasland-Beveren welcomed Royal Excel Mouscron to East Flanders for a relegation dogfight in the Belgian Pro League matchweek 15. Both sides have struggled to start the season, yet, over their past three games, neither had lost, and both were finally starting to show some form. For Mouscron, since changing manager to Jorge Simao, they had drawn with UEFA Champions League calibre side Club Brugge, and also beaten Sint-Truiden, which led to the sacking of former EFL player Kevin Muscat.

Beveren on the other hand were coming off of an impressive 2-0 victory over a Charleroi side that had, until recently, been top of the league. Therefore, rather unusually for a relegation clash, both sides had some form going into the game. Despite this, it was the home side who came away with all three points, thanks to a 2-0 victory.

This tactical analysis will look at how Beveren were looking to push the wide men high and use the central midfielders to help them. This analysis will also look at Mouscron’s attacking tactics, namely how they tried to exploit the channels. Finally, we will look at the press and counter-press of Beveren, and how this helped to create the opening goal will be looked at.

Lineups

Beveren coach Nicky Hayen went with a 3-4-3 formation, with regular number one Nordin Jackers in goal. The back three was made up of Brendan Schoonbaert, Dries Wuytens and Alexis Gamboa. Experienced Cameroonian midfielder Georges Mandjeck partnered Leonardo Bertone in central midfield, with Andreas Wiegel and Serge Leuko providing the width. Daan Heymans and Aboubakary Koita were upfront, supporting Michael Frey.

Jorge Simao opted for a 4-4-1-1 formation, with the impressive Herve Koffi between the sticks. Alessandro Ciranni and Dimitri Mohamed were the full-backs, while Matias Silvestre and Saad Agouzoul were the centre-backs. Jean Onana and Marko Bakic were the central midfield partnership, with Beni Badibanga and Charles-Andreas Brym the wide men. Deni Hocko was playing just behind striker Nuno da Costa.