Al Hassan Yusuf put in a solid defensive shift in the Jupiler League season opener between Royal Antwerp and KV Mechelen on Sunday.
Yusuf filled the stats sheets as much as his performance on the pitch proved, the CM provided adequate cover across the middle third on either as he clocked 90 minutes on the day.
The 22 year-old was top three game leader across most stats and it no doubt inspired Mark van Bommel’s team to an impressive 2-0 victory on the road at the AFAS-stadion Achter de Kazerne.
A double from Michael Frey – one from open play and the other from the penalty spot – both in the first half almost certainly settled the contest.
In a game of two halves, KV Mechelen dominated possession in the second half 68%-32%, but the only managed 1 shot on goal as the visitors’ defence held firm.
