Steven Defour.

[Stevebfc40]

Steven Defour has left KV Mechelen by "mutual agreement". It comes on the back of their cup defeat on penalties to Knokke, a third tier amateur team. They were also 3rd from bottom of the league.

[Pickles]

They've not got Defour.

[Nori1958]

Have they still got that young lad of ours?

[Pickles]

Have they still got that young lad of ours?

Enoch Agyei. Not sure if it's last season or this season but four goals and one assist in seventeen for Mechelen.

Hunch says last season because he was with us in preseason I think.

[Carwin261]

Another super footballer who couldn’t hack it as a manager but don’t tell all the posters .

[Burnley1989]

Seperate sections but

I do imagine footballers have become one really difficult to manage these days, you’re managing theirs, theirs agents & dads egos
I’ve spoken to coaches about the young lads coming through these days and he said the entitlement is crazy, the Covid group (missed a lot of football) even worse. The old school managers will need to adapt quickly

[IanMcL]

Perhaps he can come and coach our midfield

[bfcjg]

Perhaps he can come and coach our midfield

You actually need a midfield first .

[RicardoMontalban]

Another super footballer who couldn’t hack it as a manager but don’t tell all the posters .

Maybe wait longer than one season before making that assessment. Not all managerial appointments work out, but unless he never manages again you may be a little premature in making that call.

Wouldn’t wish to become known as someone prone to knee jerk pronouncements.

[Pearcey]

Have they still got that young lad of ours?

Aygei was there last season. He’s back and Burnley with a long term injury.

[LDNBFC87]

Another super footballer who couldn’t hack it as a manager but don’t tell all the posters .

If by 'another', you mean Kompany, you must have incredible short term memory loss.

[AGENT_CLARET]

Perhaps he can come and coach our midfield

Coach it, he could play in it at the moment

[StayingDown4Ever]

Seperate sections but

I do imagine footballers have become one really difficult to manage these days, you’re managing theirs, theirs agents & dads egos
I’ve spoken to coaches about the young lads coming through these days and he said the entitlement is crazy, the Covid group (missed a lot of football) even worse. The old school managers will need to adapt quickly

It must be extremely difficult. Some of the lads at Padiham & Colne’s level have agents!

[agreenwood]

I liked Defour a lot. He was briefly an excellent player for us.

He’s also on the list of players who achieved an almost cult-like following despite not really featuring very much.

I haven’t checked, but I reckon some of our loanees last season started more games for us than Defour did in his three seasons. If they didn’t, they won’t be far off his tally of starts.

[IanMcL]

I liked Defour a lot. He was briefly an excellent player for us.

He’s also on the list of players who achieved an almost cult-like following despite not really featuring very much.

I haven’t checked, but I reckon some of our loanees last season started more games for us than Defour did in his three seasons. If they didn’t, they won’t be far off his tally of starts.

...but when he played...
Supreme!

[Belgianclaret]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq5Dn14F8pI

Magic

[spt_claret]

I liked Defour a lot. He was briefly an excellent player for us.

He’s also on the list of players who achieved an almost cult-like following despite not really featuring very much.

I haven’t checked, but I reckon some of our loanees last season started more games for us than Defour did in his three seasons. If they didn’t, they won’t be far off his tally of starts.

He never started more than 24 in a season but all but 5 of his league games were starts, according to FBRef. 51 games, 3513 total minutes, equivalent of 39 full 90s. Remarkable the impact he made for us both on the pitch and with fans when you break it down like that.

[Anthonini]

Still think there's more manager or coach in him. Hearing him speak on podcasts he has a good vision of the game, recognises quality players, he doesn't say much but when he talks you listen.

Would be cool to see him join Burnley and get a tactical schooling under VK.

[Taffy on the wing]

CLASS!

[spt_claret]

Still think there's more manager or coach in him. Hearing him speak on podcasts he has a good vision of the game, recognises quality players, he doesn't say much but when he talks you listen.

Would be cool to see him join Burnley and get a tactical schooling under VK.

I tend to think players like him, and dare I say it even Kompany, are best served spending a few years as an assistant manager apprenticing to a more seasoned manager. Look at Arteta with Pep. Kompany may have been mentored as a player by Guardiola and I'm sure he was already thinking about his coaching career but there's a difference between doing early prep on the side and full time assisting.
Mourinho was never a player but he's another example, was a translator then assistant to Bobby Robson then assistant to Van Gaal. Gives you time and leeway to learn & make mistakes and gives you full time access understudying to a veteran.

[Anthonini]

Kompany has been injured half the time during his career and he was a captain and natural leader.

Knowing Pep Guardiola's way of football inside out and his training methods what more should he learn? The rest is experience... I understand what you are saying but VK is a different animal. He's proven himself last season and at Anderlecht they are still gutted about the huge mistake they made.

[BurnleyFC]

I liked Defour a lot. He was briefly an excellent player for us.

He’s also on the list of players who achieved an almost cult-like following despite not really featuring very much.

I haven’t checked, but I reckon some of our loanees last season started more games for us than Defour did in his three seasons. If they didn’t, they won’t be far off his tally of starts.

Exactly my thoughts on Defour.

Whilst he was an excellent footballer, I don’t hold him in the same regard as Dean Marney, for example.

[ClaretTony]

I liked Defour a lot. He was briefly an excellent player for us.

He’s also on the list of players who achieved an almost cult-like following despite not really featuring very much.

I haven’t checked, but I reckon some of our loanees last season started more games for us than Defour did in his three seasons. If they didn’t, they won’t be far off his tally of starts.

With us three years, offered little in the first season and even less in the last. But the first half of that 2017/18 season he was fantastic. I recently watched the 3-2 win at Chelsea again and hadn't realised just how good he was that day. We were going superbly and then lost Robbie Brady in December and Defour in January. Brilliant for half a season but injured really for two and a half seasons. He started 46 league games for us in total.

[agreenwood]

With us three years, offered little in the first season and even less in the last. But the first half of that 2017/18 season he was fantastic. I recently watched the 3-2 win at Chelsea again and hadn't realised just how good he was that day. We were going superbly and then lost Robbie Brady in December and Defour in January. Brilliant for half a season but injured really for two and a half seasons. He started 46 league games for us in total.

Yep. The first half of that season we looked to have kicked on a level and the style football was developing into something really progressive. It was still a brilliant season overall after the injuries, but we were never the same under Dyche in my view and we gradually retreated into the style of football he has become synonymous with. He wasn’t helped by the decreasing investment either of course.

[JohnDearyMe]

With us three years, offered little in the first season and even less in the last. But the first half of that 2017/18 season he was fantastic. I recently watched the 3-2 win at Chelsea again and hadn't realised just how good he was that day. We were going superbly and then lost Robbie Brady in December and Defour in January. Brilliant for half a season but injured really for two and a half seasons. He started 46 league games for us in total.

Who knows how high we would have finished that season if Brady & Defour hadn't picked up those injuries...? Great memories

[ClaretTony]

Who knows how high we would have finished that season if Brady & Defour hadn't picked up those injuries...? Great memories

Playing unbelievably well as a team but those two were outstanding.

[Swizzlestick]

We didn't see enough of Defour, but when we did, my word. I think his status is elevated somewhat because so many of Dyche's signing were solid pros who, excellent as a lot of them were, played in a no-nonsense manner. Defour had magic and it was a pleasure to see a player of such immense quality in a claret and blue shirt.

[ClaretTony]

Yep. The first half of that season we looked to have kicked on a level and the style football was developing into something really progressive. It was still a brilliant season overall after the injuries, but we were never the same under Dyche in my view and we gradually retreated into the style of football he has become synonymous with. He wasn’t helped by the decreasing investment either of course.

The first half of the next season was horrendous but the second half and the entire 2019/20 season were fine. We picked up 84 points from 56 games starting with the 2-0 win against West Ham in December 2018 until the 2-0 win at Norwich in July 2021. The next two seasons were difficult admittedly but with so little investment.

[ClaretTony]

Defour scored three goals for us and everyone talks about the free kick at United but I put that bottom of the pile. I thought his goal against Hull in his second home game was special and then came the cup game against Bristol City when he did this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgrC8pMt4u4

[Carlos the Great]

Defour scored three goals for us and everyone talks about the free kick at United but I put that bottom of the pile. I thought his goal against Hull in his second home game was special and then came the cup game against Bristol City when he did this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgrC8pMt4u4

Wow … I don’t remember that goal as being that special .. but have just watched it 10 times .. how I wish we had someone that could finish like that at the minute

[Anthonini]

Just put his application in an interview today that he's available as a T1 or even open to be an assistant manager next year.

Change of plans because he repeatedly said he never wanted to leave KV Mechelen for any other club. After being sacked, quite unfairly after doing a decent job, his opinion changed.

Wouldn't he be an awesome addition to the staff and a good successor for when VK would leave? I think he's an underrated coach. Whenever he talks about football he's usually spot on. He has a good connection with Burnley and I think a good schooling under VK would do him well.

[bobinho]

Still think there's more manager or coach in him. Hearing him speak on podcasts he has a good vision of the game, recognises quality players, he doesn't say much but when he talks you listen.

Would be cool to see him join Burnley and get a tactical schooling under VK.

Tactical schooling? I’m not sure Kompany is the man to “school” anyone with regards to tactics. Don’t mean that disrespectfully, I love VK, but he’s still learning his trade, (at least I hope he is) and there’s quite a way to go yet.

Defour was THE best player I have ever seen play for us. He didn’t need ten seasons to show that - ten minutes in some games was enough.

[beddie]

Anthonini. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerard talk a good game as well.

[KRBFC]

Anthonini. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerard talk a good game as well.

Steven Gerrard is 6 years older than Kompany. Kompany is only 37 years old, I don’t think people realise that sometimes, he’s got an awfully long managerial career ahead of him and has a lot of time to learn and grow.

[Kilson810]

Defour scored three goals for us and everyone talks about the free kick at United but I put that bottom of the pile. I thought his goal against Hull in his second home game was special and then came the cup game against Bristol City when he did this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgrC8pMt4u4

I was in the longside for that goal and when it was in the air I couldn't for the life of me work out where it was till it hit the net! Thought he spooned it wide but it was an incredible finish.

[Anthonini]

Tactical schooling? I’m not sure Kompany is the man to “school” anyone with regards to tactics. Don’t mean that disrespectfully, I love VK, but he’s still learning his trade, (at least I hope he is) and there’s quite a way to go yet.

Defour was THE best player I have ever seen play for us. He didn’t need ten seasons to show that - ten minutes in some games was enough.

Defour never played under a top coach or for a big club. He can't even tie VK's shoelaces careerwise so I don't understand where you're coming from.

Think he's a bright young fella that could make a good career as a coach.

[bobinho]

Defour never played under a top coach or for a big club. He can't even tie VK's shoelaces careerwise so I don't understand where you're coming from.

Think he's a bright young fella that could make a good career as a coach.

I think you are probably correct, but I think VK is incredibly inexperienced at this level and as such doesn’t really know enough to give anyone a “schooling”. Perhaps we differ in our understanding of the phrase?

I understand Steven Defour never achieved what VK has on the pitch as far as success and trophies are concerned, but Defour is easily a better footballer than Kompany was.
It isn’t the great players that make great managers and coaches. Pep is obviously one that has, but many more average footballers make great coaches and managers.

I’m not averse to having Defour back here, I just think that there are better managers and coaches he could learn from than a manager who still has plenty to learn himself. Part of being tactically savvy is understanding when you have the players to play the way you want to, and making the right changes when you realise you haven’t. I’m not sure I’m describing VK there, and for that reason I don’t see him as a coach who can “school” anyone yet.

[Anthonini]

I think you are probably correct, but I think VK is incredibly inexperienced at this level and as such doesn’t really know enough to give anyone a “schooling”. Perhaps we differ in our understanding of the phrase?

I understand Steven Defour never achieved what VK has on the pitch as far as success and trophies are concerned, but Defour is easily a better footballer than Kompany was.
It isn’t the great players that make great managers and coaches. Pep is obviously one that has, but many more average footballers make great coaches and managers.

I’m not averse to having Defour back here, I just think that there are better managers and coaches he could learn from than a manager who still has plenty to learn himself. Part of being tactically savvy is understanding when you have the players to play the way you want to, and making the right changes when you realise you haven’t. I’m not sure I’m describing VK there, and for that reason I don’t see him as a coach who can “school” anyone yet.

Agree that there are some better managers but they also have to want you. If you ask me it would be a good situation for everyone if he comes back to Burnley. He would feel good here as well.

[bobinho]

He should feel good here, there is plenty of good feeling here for him. The vast majority of clarets recognised what an absolute talent he was. For some, his legacy is tainted by his injuries but not me.

[beddie]

Steven Gerrard is 6 years older than Kompany. Kompany is only 37 years old, I don’t think people realise that sometimes, he’s got an awfully long managerial career ahead of him and has a lot of time to learn and grow.

KRBFC. I was actually replying to Anthonini’s comments regarding Defour. (below) I was not criticising VK.

“Wouldn't he be an awesome addition to the staff and a good successor for when VK would leave? I think he's an underrated coach. Whenever he talks about football he's usually spot on. He has a good connection with Burnley and I think a good schooling under VK would do him well.

[KRBFC]

KRBFC. I was actually replying to Anthonini’s comments regarding Defour. (below) I was not criticising VK.

“Wouldn't he be an awesome addition to the staff and a good successor for when VK would leave? I think he's an underrated coach. Whenever he talks about football he's usually spot on. He has a good connection with Burnley and I think a good schooling under VK would do him well.

I know mate was just a general point which relates to Defour too given his age.

[AlargeClaret]

Why the obsession with the injury prone 2 prem goals in 3 seasons Belgian ? Sure he managed half a season in our “ euro season “ and was a beautiful technician , but apart from having a fit wife and enjoying a weekly twix , it’s hard to justify the misty eyed whimsy attached to him

[Jamesy]

Perhaps he can come and coach our midfield

He could probably do a better job than our set piece coach!

[Jamesy]

He should feel good here, there is plenty of good feeling here for him. The vast majority of clarets recognised what an absolute talent he was. For some, his legacy is tainted by his injuries but not me.

Didn’t play enough for us through no fault of his own to achieve legend status. Bit like the classy Kevin Reeves in the old 4th Division days.

[Kilson810]

Some weird comments on here. Defour was clearly a talent well above most we have seen at this club for sometime and would have played at a lot higher level if it wasn't for his injuries. If anything, looking back, I'm almost glad for the injuries or else he would have never played for Burnley.

[Tackler49]

Just reminded myself of Steven Defours brilliant goals against Bristol City,Hull & M Utd. The free kick against Utd as to be best simply because we put one over on them one commentator said it will have to be something special to beat De Gea from that distance SAY NO MORE

[CoolClaret]

Defour was absolutely magic and is easily the best player ability wise we’ve had since the proper glory days.

Id love for him to be a coach at Burnley if it’s all a good fit.