A regular member of RKC Genk’s side throughout the 2019-20 campaign, Sander Berge was instrumental to the Belgian side lifting the Jupiler Pro League for the first time since 2002.
With the Belgian side since January 2017, the 21-year-old has previously been linked with teams such as Tottenham and Everton, yet his manager, Philippe Clement, believes he is already at a level where he wouldn’t be out of place in a team filled with superstars.
Speaking to DH, he was asked which of his players would suit best football outside of Belgium, he said: “Berge. He’s intelligent, quick, and great tactically. I can easily see him at Barcelona or Manchester City.”
Speaking of the latter of the two, Pep Guardiola has been after a defensive midfielder over the past couple of seasons, aware that Fernandinho’s legs will give out sooner rather than later.
The Manchester City midfielder recently turned 34 and has just one year left on his contract at the Etihad.
Players such as Julian Weigl and Ruben Neves have been linked in the past, yet someone like Berge could certainly be an interesting option for Guardiola to work with.
Comfortable with the ball at his feet for a 6’4” player, the Norwegian midfielder completed over 85% of his passes this season, turning it over less than once per game.
The young defensive midfielder started all but one of their playoff games, featuring 40 times over the course of the season in all competitions scoring two goals and picking up four assists.
