Recent rumors linking Matt Miazga with a move to Belgian heavyweights RSC Anderlecht have come true, with the Jupiler Pro League side confirming a season-long loan for the 25-year-old today.
Ciepłe powitanie. A warm welcome, Matti. Central defender, age 25. On loan from @ChelseaFC. https://t.co/jlUe4dBgKx @MattMiazga3 @USMNT pic.twitter.com/FGVhyXnfUR
— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) October 3, 2020
Miazga, who spent last season on loan at Championship side Reading, and made 24 appearances across all competitions, will look to step up a gear and show his talents in an European top division once again. It’s supposedly just a loan with no buy-option attached, but if Miazga impresses, Anderlecht might look to sign him permanently.
“Matt can win duels, but also has pace and technique. A combination that is hard to find and one we always look for in a central defender, as we want to keep playing our own style of football. Matt has played in the Dutch Eredivisie, where he has won the Cup with Vitesse, the French Ligue 1 and the Championship. He’s 25 and has the necessary experience. Now it’s Matt’s turn to bring some extra competition to our defense!”
-Peter Verbeke, Sports Director; source: RSC Anderlecht
Anderlecht are currently managed by Manchester City legend, Vincent Kompany. They aren’t performing as well as they are usually expected to, as they sit at the 7th position in the league table, 6 points behind leaders Charleroi.
Despite being proficient in attack — Anderlecht have scored a joint-second 15 goals — their issues lie in defense, with the side conceding 9 goals already. Miazga has probably been brought in to address this issue as he looks set to compete for a place in the starting lineup with the likes of Killian Sardella and Derrick Luckassen.
Time to get to work then, Matt!