Hein Vanhaezebrouck Tactics At KAA Gent 2021/2022: 6 Wins From 6 And Into The Belgian Cup Final – Tactical Analysis

From August 2020 to December 2020, KAA Gent went through three different permanent managers. Jess Thorup, Laszló Bölöni, and Wim de Decker were all managers of the club during that ill-fated time.

After de Decker was sacked, Gent turned to a familiar name, Hein Vanhaezebrouck, who managed the club for another spell a few seasons before.

After a slow start to his second spell in charge, Gents recent form under Vanhaezebrouck has been spectacular, with the club winning its last six matches in a row across all competitions, bringing it to within three points of the Championship playoffs and into the Belgian Cup final. 

This tactical analysis piece will examine what Vanhaezebrouck has been able to implement at the club, providing valuable insight into his philosophy. 

Best Defense In The League Statistically 

When examining the basic defensive statistics for teams in the Belgian league this season, most will focus on the goals conceded tally to assess the effectiveness of a defensive unit.

Gent have conceded 28 goals this season, the second-lowest in the league behind Union Saint-Gilloise (24).

However, upon conducting a deeper statistical analysis, one can find the statistics to support Gent having the best defense in the league.

The league average for total shots against this season is 366.17; Gent’s is 268, which ranks first in the league.

For shots against per 90 this season, the league average is 11.34, Gent’s is 8.3, once again the best in the league.

This section will delve into more detail about how Vanhaezebrouck sets up his side defensively and what makes them such a tough unit to break down and play through. 

Hein Vanhaezebrouck favors a 3-4-1-2 starting formation at Gent, with this formation shifting in the defensive phase to a 5-3-2, as shown above.

Hjulsager, the #10, drops deeper into midfield, splitting the two central midfielders while giving Gent an extra man in the deeper midfield areas.