We may only be two games into the new Belgian Pro League season, but a few players have already shown some really promising signs. One of these is 22-year-old winger Adnane Abid. After Standard Liege sold Comoros international Rafiki Saïd to Wolves for a big fee this summer, they needed someone to step up to help fill the gap he leaves in terms of goals and creativity. Abid was already with the team last season, but in the first two games this campaign he looks to be ready for a breakout campaign.
After an assist in the opening draw to Cercle Brugge, Abid helped himself to two goals in the second game against KV Mechelen. That gives Abid the same amount of goals in two games that he managed in 35 games last season. The former Genk youth player and Patro Eisden winger looks set to score plenty more this season and should, if his teammates can help him, exceed the five assists he had last campaign.
Yet while surface level analysis would notice the goals and assist numbers, the eye test is showing that Abid could turn out to be Standard’s most important player this season. The winger looks extremely confident on the ball, ready to run at defenders and create chances for his teammates. Two games is a small sample size, but Abid is creating plenty of chances from out wide for himself and his teammates. The 22-year-old is one to watch this season, and with a contract at Standard Liege until 2029, the club could be set for another decent fee for a winger next summer if he is able to keep this type of performance up.
Abid is an exciting talent, something he had shown before getting the move to Standard Liege last season. During the 2023/2024 campaign with Patro Eisden in the second tier he scored eight goals and provided 10 assists. He looks set to have a similar campaign this year, albeit at a higher level. Those keeping an eye on future talent emerging from the Belgian Pro League should be keeping an eye on Abid and Standard Liege this season.