Former Hull City winger impresses in opening weekend of the Belgian Pro League | OneFootball

It was a slow start for most clubs this week in Belgium as the domestic league got underway. Saturday’s three fixtures saw just one goal, with two 0-0 draws. Sunday picked up some more, with Westerlo the side impressing the most. Their 3-0 victory over Cercle Brugge, who were back in Belgium after a hard fought 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock in Europe, was the most eye catching display. Lucas Stassin stole the headlines with two goals and an assist, but he was well backed up by Iranian international Allahyar Sayyadmanesh.

The 23-year-old winger joined Westerlo for around €2m last January. In the final months of the season he managed just one assist and no goals in 16 games. After one week he has already matched his assist numbers and exceeded his goal scoring tally, arguably not a substantial achievement. His performance, however, was what caught the eye. Sayyadmanesh looked more threatening that he had at the back end of last season and was linking up well with young striker Stassin. Westerlo missed a dynamic winger capable of creating and scoring last season, and perhaps the Iranian is going to be the answer this season. He took his goal very well and looked assured on the ball.

Sayyadmanesh is under contract with Westerlo until 2026 and will hope that this opening game is a sign of things to come. With a World Cup at the end of his contract, the young winger may well be able to use two seasons in the Pro League as a springboard for a move if Iran qualify and he can impress during the tournament.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson