Arthur Vermeeren
Country: Belgium
Date of birth: 07/02/2005 (17 years old)
Place of birth: Lier (Belgium)
Height: 177cm
Youth career: Malle-Beerse, Lierse SK, KV Mechelen, Royal Antwerp (since 2018)
Current club: Royal Antwerp
Squad number: 48
Current national team: Belgium U-18
Position: defensive midfielder, central midfielder
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): 500.000 €
Tournaments participated in: 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification elite round (3/0), 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship (3/0)
Contract until: 30.06.2024
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Marcos Senna/Joshua Kimmich
Strengths:
– passing 
– tackling
– work rate
– ability to read the game
– football IQ
– positioning
– concentration
– maturity
– determination 
– vision
To improve:
– shooting skills/he is not a goal threat at all
– decent jumping and he’s not afraid of aerial duels but I still see a big margin to improve this aspect of his game
Style of play:
– modern holding midfielder
– very interesting mix of a ball-winning midfielder and midfield controller
– despite his average frame, he is quite strong physically and feels very comfortable in contact situations
– well-rounded and tactically intelligent midfielder
– excellent positional sense and an acute ability to read the game
– very good range of passing at all distances
– concentrated, composed, and confident on the ball
– good composure and retention skills under pressure
– high football IQ and spatial awareness
– above-average decision-making on and off the ball
– likes to make sliding tackles
– combative, hardworking, and determined in the defensive phase with good anticipation sense to provide key interceptions and tackles
– accurate and tenacious tackler who likes an active style of defending by getting into challenges and pressing opponents
– committed, courageous, and willing to sacrifice
– great timing and confidence in 1v1 defensive duels
– high maturity and consistency for a player of his age
– knows when to make smart ‘tactical fouls’
– operates quite comfortably with his weaker left foot
– decent leadership skills, he seems to be a quiet but very determined player
Vermeeren tracks back, shows his superb work rate and good recovery pace, and stops a dangerous attack.
Vermeeren reads the game very well, reacts quickly, and intercepts a very dangerous ball.
Vermeeren wins the ball back after a physical duel and makes a good first touch pass to his teammate.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Defensive midfielder in 4-3-3.
Video:
Achievements:
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League summary (as for 23 January 2023):
Belgian National Division 1 2022/2023 (ongoing): 6 games/1 goal (Young Reds)
Jupiler Pro League 2022/2023 (ongoing): 8 games/0 goals (Antwerp)
Description:
Arthur Vermeeren joined the Royal Antwerp youth academy from Mechelen in 2018. He is considered to be one of the most talented teenagers in Belgium. He made his professional debut for The Reds as a second-half substitute in the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League at home in Antwerp at the Bosuilstadion in a 2-0 second-leg win against Lillestrøm SK on 11 August 2022. He is also a regular youth international for Belgium – he started at the U-17 level and now he’s one of the leaders of the U-18 team.
Quotes:
“Let a hundred people look at Arthur and perhaps not everyone will single him out as a phenomenal talent. But it was his inconspicuousness that caught my attention. 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.”
(David Penneman – Belgium U-17 coach)
Football Talent Scout potential rating:
Player has the potential to become a key player in a top European club.
Links: