The Genk sensation may turn out to be yet another Belgian star that destroys the Premier League.
Burnley was just promoted to the Premier League after spending just one season in the second tier. The Clarets easily won the Championship last season, so they are now gearing up for life in the top division.
Vincent Kompany, the 37-year-old manager who previously won four league titles and a number of other domestic accolades during a brilliant 11-year stint at Manchester City, will also be making a return to the top flight thanks to that stellar campaign.
That lengthy stint at the Etihad saw the towering centre-back ply his trade among a raft of high-profile names, including his compatriot, Kevin De Bruyne, with the experienced playmaker having repeatedly delivered the goods over the years from his attacking midfield berth.
Lauded as “the greatest” midfielder in Premier League history by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, the 32-year-old has scored 96 goals and chipped in with a staggering haul of 152 assists in 356 games for his current side, having been a central figure in the success that Pep Guardiola has enjoyed of late.
With Kompany well aware of his former international colleague’s stellar talents, he would no doubt love to be able to find his own De Bruyne-esque talent to slot into his side at Turf Moor, hence why snapping up Genk’s Mike Trésor could prove to be an astute move.
What’s the latest on Trésor to Burnley?
Recent reports in Belgian have suggested that the Lancashire side remained interested in sealing a move for the highly-rated 24-year-old, with Kompany having previously been linked with a move for his compatriot earlier in the summer
The 5 foot 8 jewel, who Football Transfers estimates to be worth around £6 million, has also grabbed the eye of Brentford due to his impressive recent play, therefore Burnley may find it difficult to close a deal.
Mike Trésor’s talent level?
The £13k per week wonder has recently shined in his native Belgium, so the Clarets would be wise to do everything in their power to try and get Trésor in the door as quickly as possible, despite the Bees’ competing interest.
Much like De Bruyne – who notably began his career at Genk – the former Willem II maestro is a true master at supplying quality service to his teammates, having registered a mammoth haul of 24 assists in the Pro League last term, while also netting eight goals to boot.
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A player with an “exceptional kicking technique” – according to coach Michael Ribeiro – the two-cap international was evidently the real creative hub for his side in 2022/23, having created 22 big chances and averaged 2.8 key passes per game.
That is undoubtedly a similar record to what De Bruyne achieved for City last term, with the one-time Chelsea man scoring seven goals and registering 16 assists in 32 league games, while also creating 31 big chances and averaging 3.1 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.
Equally, while Trésor has been hailed for his “wonderful vision” by manager Wouter Vrancken, De Bruyne also possesses that ability to pick out his teammates with relative ease, with Redknapp having stated:
“His football IQ, the way he sees gaps and threads through passes with such pinpoint accuracy, I haven’t seen it before.”
Although the younger man has typically operated from the flanks in recent times, he also mirrors his Red Devils colleague in being able to thrive in an advanced, playmaking berth, ensuring he could be an adaptable and versatile option for Kompany and co.
