Standard de Liège Squad 2024/25
Introduction
Standard de Liège, one of Belgium’s most storied football clubs, enters the 2024/25 season with a squad brimming with talent, ambition, and a mix of experienced veterans and promising young stars. Known for their passionate fanbase and rich history, Les Rouches have meticulously built a team capable of competing domestically and making waves in European competitions. This season’s roster reflects a strategic blend of homegrown talent, shrewd signings, and players entering their prime. Below, we delve into the squad, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with detailed profiles of each player.
Goalkeepers
- Arnaud Bodart
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: None (Standard de Liège academy graduate)
- Transfer Fee: N/A
Arnaud Bodart remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Standard de Liège. A product of the club’s youth system, Bodart has grown into one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the Belgian Pro League. Known for his quick reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and ability to pull off spectacular saves, he has been a cornerstone of the team since his debut. At 26, Bodart is entering his prime and has already amassed over 200 appearances for the club. His leadership and consistency make him a fan favorite and a key figure in the dressing room.
- Laurent Henkinet
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: RFC Seraing, KAS Eupen
- Transfer Fee: €200,000 (from RFC Seraing in 2021)
Henkinet serves as a dependable backup to Bodart. The 32-year-old brings experience and stability to the goalkeeping department. While not as flashy as Bodart, Henkinet is a reliable option between the sticks, particularly in cup competitions or during injury absences. His calm demeanor and ability to organize the defense have earned him the trust of the coaching staff.
- Matthieu Epolo
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: None (Standard de Liège academy graduate)
- Transfer Fee: N/A
At just 19 years old, Epolo is the third-choice goalkeeper and a promising prospect for the future. Having risen through the ranks of Standard’s academy, he is highly regarded for his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure. While he is unlikely to feature prominently this season, Epolo’s development will be closely monitored as the club looks to nurture him into a future first-team regular.
Defenders
- Zinho Vanheusden
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: Inter Milan, Genoa (loan), AZ Alkmaar (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €12 million (from Inter Milan in 2021)
Vanheusden is the defensive linchpin of Standard de Liège. A commanding center-back with excellent aerial ability and strong tackling, he has become a mainstay in the heart of the defense. Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, the 24-year-old has shown resilience and remains a key player for the club. His ability to play out from the back and read the game makes him a modern defender perfectly suited to the team’s style of play.
- Merveille Bokadi
- Nationality: Congolese
- Former Clubs: TP Mazembe
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from TP Mazembe in 2022)
Bokadi has established himself as a reliable partner to Vanheusden in central defense. The 25-year-old is known for his physicality, aggression, and ability to win duels. His journey from TP Mazembe to Standard de Liège has been marked by steady improvement, and he is now one of the first names on the team sheet. Bokadi’s leadership qualities and no-nonsense approach have endeared him to the fans.
- Nathan Ngoy
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: None (Standard de Liège academy graduate)
- Transfer Fee: N/A
Ngoy is a versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and right-back. The 22-year-old has emerged as a bright talent from the club’s academy, showcasing his technical skills, pace, and tactical intelligence. While still developing, Ngoy has already made significant contributions to the first team and is seen as a future star for both club and country.
- Konstantinos Laifis
- Nationality: Cypriot
- Former Clubs: FC Omonia
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (from FC Omonia in 2018)
Laifis brings experience and stability to the backline. The 30-year-old left-back is known for his defensive solidity and ability to contribute to the attack with accurate crosses and set-piece delivery. A consistent performer, Laifis has been a key figure for Standard de Liège since his arrival and continues to be a reliable option in defense.
- Noah Dodeigne
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: RFC Seraing
- Transfer Fee: €500,000 (from RFC Seraing in 2023)
Dodeigne is a young right-back with immense potential. The 20-year-old joined Standard de Liège from RFC Seraing and has quickly adapted to the demands of top-flight football. Known for his pace, energy, and defensive awareness, Dodeigne is a player to watch this season as he continues to develop.
- Aiden O’Neill
- Nationality: Australian
- Former Clubs: Burnley, Melbourne City (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Burnley in 2023)
O’Neill is a versatile defender who can also operate in midfield. The 25-year-old Australian has brought a new dimension to Standard’s defense with his ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively. His physicality and work rate make him a valuable asset in both defensive and transitional phases of the game.
Midfielders
- Gojko Cimirot
- Nationality: Bosnian
- Former Clubs: PAOK, Alanyaspor
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (from PAOK in 2021)
Cimirot is the engine of Standard de Liège’s midfield. The 31-year-old Bosnian is a tireless worker who excels in breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. His experience and leadership have been invaluable to the team, and he remains a key figure in the center of the park.
- Selim Amallah
- Nationality: Belgian-Moroccan
- Former Clubs: Mouscron
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (from Mouscron in 2020)
Amallah is a creative force in midfield, known for his vision, passing range, and ability to score crucial goals. The 27-year-old has been a standout performer for Standard de Liège, earning plaudits for his technical ability and work ethic. His versatility allows him to play in multiple midfield roles, making him an indispensable part of the squad.
- Isaac Price
- Nationality: Northern Irish
- Former Clubs: Everton
- Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (from Everton in 2023)
Price is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder who has quickly become a fan favorite. The 21-year-old Northern Irishman is known for his energy, tackling, and ability to drive forward with the ball. His potential is immense, and he is expected to play a significant role this season.
- William Balikwisha
- Nationality: Belgian
- Former Clubs: None (Standard de Liège academy graduate)
- Transfer Fee: N/A
Balikwisha is a versatile midfielder capable of playing centrally or on the wings. The 23-year-old has developed into a key player for Standard, combining technical skill with physicality. His ability to create chances and score goals makes him a valuable asset to the team.
- Marvelous Nakamba
- Nationality: Zimbabwean
- Former Clubs: Aston Villa, Luton Town (loan)
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (from Aston Villa in 2023)
Nakamba is a defensive midfielder known for his tenacity and ability to shield the backline. The 30-year-old Zimbabwean brings Premier League experience and a winning mentality to the squad. His presence has added steel to Standard’s midfield, making them a tougher team to break down.
Forwards
- Philip Zinckernagel
- Nationality: Danish
- Former Clubs: Watford, Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (from Olympiacos in 2023)
Zinckernagel is a versatile forward who can play as a winger or attacking midfielder. The 29-year-old Danish international is known for his creativity, dribbling, and eye for goal. His experience in top European leagues has made him a key player for Standard de Liège.
- Moussa Djenepo
- Nationality: Malian
- Former Clubs: Southampton
- Transfer Fee: €4 million (from Southampton in 2023)
Djenepo is a dynamic winger with pace, skill, and an ability to score spectacular goals. The 25-year-old Malian has brought flair and excitement to Standard’s attack, becoming a fan favorite in the process. His versatility allows him to play on either flank or as a second striker.
- Rayan Djedje
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Former Clubs: ASEC Mimosas
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (from ASEC Mimosas in 2023)
Djedje is a young striker with immense potential. The 20-year-old Ivorian has impressed with his physicality, finishing, and ability to hold up play. While still raw, Djedje is expected to play a significant role this season as he continues to develop.
- Wilfried Kanga
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Former Clubs: Paris FC, BSC Young Boys
- Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (from BSC Young Boys in 2023)
Kanga is a powerful striker known for his strength, aerial ability, and clinical finishing. The 26-year-old Ivorian has been a revelation since joining Standard de Liège, scoring crucial goals and leading the line with authority.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Standard de Liège squad is a well-balanced mix of youth and experience, with players capable of competing at the highest level. From the reliable Arnaud Bodart in goal to the dynamic Moussa Djenepo in attack, the team boasts quality in every department. With a strong core of homegrown talent and shrewd signings, Standard de Liège is poised for a successful season. The club’s faithful supporters will be hoping this squad can bring silverware back to Sclessin and restore Standard to its former glory.