Michel Vlap

DOB: 2/6/1997 (22)

Nationality: Netherlands

Club: RSC Anderlecht

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Tactical:

Vlap lit up the Eredivisie last season, scoring 16 times and assisting 4 times in 34 matches from midfield. This prompted a move to Belgian Pro League side RSC Anderlecht in the summer. While he has not quite hit the ground running yet, and not yet getting a guaranteed place in Franky Vercauteren’s starting eleven, he has shown glimpses of promise throughout his short career in Belgium so far. Vlap likes to play in the #10 role, sitting right behind the striker. However, when Anderlecht win possession back in the midfield and try to counter quickly, Vlap is the furthest man forward, almost playing as a false 9. However, if Anderlecht lose possession or the counter is not there, Vlap then moves back into his more traditional #10 role. Vlap is a very quick #10, and always likes to make runs into the box as an option going forward. He will also free roam along the midfield line, and sometimes make runs into the box off the left or right wing. He does also take corners for Anderlecht, but when he is not taking corners or other set pieces, he usually stays on the edge of the box, in case a loose ball drops to him.

Technical:

Technically, Vlap is very good on the ball, and he does like to take on defenders in 1v1 situations. When it comes to his passing range, he likes to stay forward and doesn’t get involved in much of the build-up play. However, when Anderlecht lose possession further up the pitch, he will run back and try to win the ball back, with him having a very good work rate when it comes to his defensive contributions. He has an eye for a pass, and will make line-breaking passes to play a teammate in behind. Other than taking on defenders in 1v1 situations, he does like to dribble and will try to weave past multiple defenders if need be. He also has really good finishing ability for a #10, and has the ability to finish the season with double digit goals and assists. A good comparison for Vlap’s abilities technically is Real Betis’s Nabil Fekir.

Physical:

Vlap is a taller #10, and also has a lanky body type. He is not the strongest on the ball and can easily be bullied off of it on shoulder to shoulder challenges. He also is not the best tackler, and does not win many aerial duels for his height. However, with his play style, he is more of a player who like to utilize his pace to get in behind the defense. He also does not win many aerial duels, even though he is a taller player. His pace is definitely one of his strongest attributes, with him liking to make dangerous runs into tour box behind the defense.

Summary:

Michel Vlap is a player who last season had an insane season with Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. While it will be very hard for him to sustain those kinds of numbers going forward, I do feel that he is a player who is capable of getting double digit goals and assists every season. He is still raw in some of his attributes and still needs to be molded a bit to become a very talented player. He does however, bring to the table a pretty good combination of pace and finishing ability for a #10. With some more growth, Vlap will definitely be a player knocking on Ronald Koeman’s door in a few years.