da betobet： The Belgian is already playing in the Champions League and looks destined to join one of Europe's elite at the end of the season

da bet vitoria： In October 2022, Antwerp had no choice but to release Radja Nainggolan. The former Belgium midfielder was supposed to be a stalwart for the storied club, but it all went wrong in his home country. First, Nainggolan was arrested for driving with an expired licence. Then, a week later, he was caught smoking an e-cigarette on the bench.

With the 34-year-old forced out, and injuries elsewhere, Antwerp had no choice but to turn to their bench. Youngster Arthur Vermeeren was the one to ultimately fill the void.

Then still short of his 18th birthday, Vermeeren impressed immensely. Nine months later, he is one of the club's most important players – and being hailed as a future star.

But who exactly is Vermeeren, and why are Arsenal, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund after him? GOAL takes a look at one of Europe's most promising defensive midfielders…

(C)Getty ImagesWhere it all began

Football was always going to be on the cards for Vermeeren. Born in Lier, Belgium, less than one kilometre from the now-defunct Lierse SK training ground, he was identified as an intriguing talent early on.

He later moved to KV Mechelen's youth side, and was developed as a centre-back for a mid-table Belgian Pro League setup. But starved of chances to play with older age groups, and keen to evolve as a midfielder, he moved down a division to struggling Antwerp.

It was a decision that few would make, especially as Antwerp had only recently been promoted from the second division – and been out of the top flight for 13 years.

But it proved to be a prudent choice, as the Pro League side were happy to deploy Vermeeren as a defensive midfielder, and offered him opportunities in his preferred position.

AdvertisementGettyThe big break

The Covid-19 pandemic had an immense impact on many top youth players in Belgium. Some leagues shut down, while nationwide scouting networks were limited. It led to some promising talents seeing their opportunities for the national team limited.

Vermeeren, though, enjoyed a stroke of luck. Belgium U17s coach David Penneman came across the youngster thanks to a tip, and took in Antwerp's U18 game against Charleroi.

He was immediately impressed, and brought the relatively unknown midfielder into the youth national team setup – despite the presence of a number of highly rated No.6s in the group.

"Arthur solved problems before they could be imagined, by constantly scanning the environment and playing football efficiently. He thought two steps faster than the rest," Penneman told .

Mark van Bommel called Vermeeren into first-team training, and handed him his debut in a Europa Conference League qualifier.

When an injury crisis hit Antwerp in winter of 2022 – and Nainggolan was forced out of the club – Vermeeren got his moment. And he's stayed in the team since.

(C)Getty imagesHow it's going

Vermeeren is, at this point, comfortably the starting defensive midfielder for Antwerp. Van Bommel's side set up in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with Vermeeren playing as an all-action presence, usually alongside Alhassan Yusuf.

The reigning Belgian League champs haven't quite hit their stride this campaign. They are fourth in the league, 11 points behind first-placed Union SG.

But there are some positives to be found. They are playing in the Champions League for the first time, and have already won the Belgian Super Cup.

Vermeeren has been crucial to his team's efforts so far. He has played every minute of Antwerp's Champions League group stage campaign, and started every league fixture so far.

His team might not be thriving, but Vermeeren looks better by the week.

GettyBiggest strengths

All of the traits of a modern No.6 are here. Vermeeren holds onto the ball well and is seldom dispossessed – a useful skill for a player who looks to drive forward. His ball-carries per game are in the 88th percentile among all midfielders, according to , while he is also a willing forward passer.

But his strengths really lie without the ball. Vermeeren is adept at cutting passing lanes, and an excellent presser for his age and position. He wins a high percentage of his tackles, recovers the ball at an above-average rate, and is a good passer in transition.

At 5'11'' he has the necessary height to be a physical presence, but he's also quick enough to cover ground all over the pitch.

This all points towards a modern No.6/No.8 blend – a rare archetype that big clubs pine after. He would be a perfect fit for a proactive side that looks to play vertically and create opportunities on the break.