Southampton have been linked with Anderlecht starlet Yari Verschaeren in recent times.
Verschaeren is an 18-year-old attacking midfielder who currently plays in his homeland of Belgium in the Jupiler Pro League.
After impressing in the youth ranks of Waasland-Beveren, he was recruited by Anderlecht. In the past year, he has gone on to impress at both Under-21 and senior level for the Belgian club after being fast-tracked into the first-team picture.
Verschaeren has also made his senior debut for Belgium despite his tender years. Only this month, he was introduced as a late substitute in by Roberto Martinez in their 4-0 victory over Scotland.
Established in the national team setup before, the playmaker also represented his country at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 level, featuring in this summer’s Under-21 European Championships, and netting a fine goal against Italy.
Verschaeren isn’t the first wonderkid Anderlecht have helped to produce, either. Numerous players – notably midfielders – have progressed through the ranks in recent years.
Leicester City pair Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet honed their skills at the Belgian club, while Wolverhampton Wanderers star Leander Dendoncker also developed at Anderlecht before his move to the Premier League.
Verschaeren is a player who is gifted the ball, possessing flair in attacking areas and also a very good range of pass. He has proven his capabilities for his team, creating four goals for his teammates since being integrated into the senior setup.
Also, while he has not quite been as productive as what would have been hoped, he has the ability to put the ball in the back of the net. He has so far scored twice for Anderlecht at first-team level.
If Saints are able to secure the Belgian’s services, he would definitely be the player for the future. But given his showings of maturity and quality already, Verschaeren could provide great competition in the attacking midfield area.
