Life Before Wolves | Leander Dendoncker

Leander Dendoncker may be just 24 but has already achieved multiple silverware and performed at a major international tournament.

A two-time title winner with Anderlecht, Dendoncker knows what it takes to reach the latter stages of the Europa League and World Cup. Part of the Belgium squad which came third in Russia last summer, Dendoncker now has a fine first Premier League season under his belt too.

ANDERLECHT BOW

Oostende 0 Anderlecht 2 | 1st August 2014

My debut with Anderlecht was when I was 19-years-old and we played at Oostende. It was a very nice moment of course, it’s not easy to get in their first team as a young player. Getting minutes as a youngster was very nice and from then on I got more games. I am where I am now thanks to Anderlecht, that was an important day and moment for me and my progression.

150 ANDERLECHT GAMES

Anderlecht | 2009 - 2018

In general, I had a very good time there. At the beginning I had some injuries, but I played over 150 games for Anderlecht and it was the biggest honour for me, because it’s the biggest club in Belgium, with the most history. I played in the Champions League and Europe League with Anderlecht, when we went to the quarter final. I was a champion with Anderlecht twice, it was a great time, of course there were also times that were less good, but that’s normal. I will always keep Anderlecht in my heart.

EUROPA LEAGUE QUARTER FINALIST

Anderlecht 2 Manchester United 3 (on aggregate) | April 2017

We played against Manchester United and had two really good games. I personally played two good games, I scored in the first one at home, but the team effort gave me even more satisfaction. My goal was a header late on, in the 86th minute. A cross came in from the left and it was a great feeling. That made it 1-1 and gave us a chance in the second leg at Old Trafford. It was 1-1 there as well, but at the end of extra time we conceded and it was hard to take. We could be proud of what we did there, though.  

BELGIAN CHAMPION

Belgian First Division A | 2016/17

It was in the same year as the Europa League, we were champions and it was a great feeling because I played every minute in all competitions. I was a big part of that title and it felt good. It was the second time I’ve been a champion at Anderlecht and was a big honour.

THE BIGGEST STAGE

World Cup | 2018

At the World Cup with Belgium we went to the semi-finals and beat England twice. I played in the first England game which was nice, beating them is not easy but we did great as a team. It was a pity to lose to France in the semi-final, but I think it was the best position in Belgium’s history to finish third, which is something we can be proud of. We have the Euros in two years with the same group, which is something to look forward to.