Steven Defour had a long and successful playing career at the highest level of football. The Belgian started his career at his hometown club KV Mechelen, before eventually playing for Genk, Standard Liège, Anderlecht and Antwerp in his native Belgium. The retired midfielder also played in Portugal for FC Porto, as well as Burnley during their spell in the Premier League.
After retiring from playing, Defour moved into management, with the 34-year-old being made Wouter Vrancken’s assistant at Mechelen for the 2021/22 season.
When Vrancken left to join Genk at the end of last season, Defour stayed as the assistant when the club brought in Danny Buijs. The Dutchman’s spell in charge was rather short, with the club sacking him after he only picked up 3 wins from his first 11 matches in charge. The club then gave Defour the reins, and he has excelled with the opportunity presented to him.
The 34-year-old has dragged the club to virtual safety in the league, as well as guiding them to the Belgian Cup final, where they will play Antwerp.
This tactical analysis piece will take a look at the former Burnley midfielder’s tactics with the Belgian side, looking at what he has done to turn their fortunes around since taking charge.
Preferred formations and style of play
The image above shows that Steven Defour has normally opted to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation the majority of the time. However, this will often shift into a 4-3-3, with the two wide midfielders pushing up onto the opposition defence’s last line to press them, with the #10 dropping slightly deeper into midfield and lining up close to the double pivot.
The 34-year-old Belgian looks for his side to play an attacking brand of football, and they will continue to put their foot on the gas regardless of the opposition or what the scoreline is.
