This season has been quite forgettable for Cercle Brugge supporters. Just two years after qualifying for European competition, the team now finds itself in the bottom four for the second consecutive season. However, they are set to remain safe and compete in the Pro League next year, and with Lars Friis at the helm, there are reasons for optimism. The new manager has steered the team through four matches without a loss, showcasing solid performances and goals. Although the opponents in those games were the league’s bottom three teams, Cercle Brugge fans deserve some positivity.
One standout player this season has been Monaco loanee Edan Diop. The 21-year-old has become a fan favorite due to his impressive technical skills and work ethic. Not only is he the team’s top scorer with seven goals, but he has also contributed three assists. Diop’s performances illustrate why Monaco values their relationship with Cercle Brugge, allowing players to gain experience before either returning to Monaco or being sold for a good profit.
Unlike many who have transitioned from Monaco to Brugge, Diop has previously made several first-team appearances for the Ligue 1 club, totaling 20 senior games and one goal over multiple seasons. His move to Cercle Brugge has facilitated his growth as he has received regular playing time at the top level, starting 30 of the 32 league games this season.
In terms of attacking prowess, Diop stands out among his peers in the Belgian Pro League. According to FotMob’s analytics, Diop has created more opportunities than 83% of players in his position within Belgium, scoring more goals than 92% of them. His success in front of goal can be attributed to his attacking mindset, as he takes more shots than 88% of players in his position.
Diop, who is eligible to play for Senegal internationally, will return to Monaco this summer, where he has a contract that runs until 2028. It seems unlikely he will spend another season on loan at Brugge, as young players from Monaco, such as Felix Lemaréchal in previous years, rarely return to Belgium after a successful spell. Diop aims to earn a regular place at Monaco, but if he doesn’t, his impressive season has certainly attracted interest from clubs across Belgium.