A Closer Look At The Jupiler Pro League

Next in the series is the Jupiler Pro League. For those of you who don't know, this is the Belgian league and, seeing how well their national team is doing, why not look at the country and the league itself. Obviously players like Eden Hazard, Moussa Dembele, Christian Benteke, Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen and many more are making Belgium look like a country full of quality players, but you'll realise that barely any of the national side actually play their football in Belgium. For that reason, I'm going to look at the quality that lurks in the shadows of the national team:

1. Hamdi Harbaoui

The KSC Lokeren centre forward is currently setting the pace at the top of the goalscorers list along with Ivan Santini. He's been consistent in most of his seasons at the top of his game. Harbaoui was plucked from the depths of the Belgium second division after he scored a pretty incredible 24 goals in 33 games.

2. Ivan Santini

Possessing very similar stats to Harbaoui, Santini poses a different kind of threat. He's a big player who is good in the air, so wingers will often find his head from crosses, making him a great source of goals. If a team likes to put the ball into the box but have no one to get on the end of it then Santini is your man.

3. Matias Suarez

According to www.transfermarkt.co.uk, Suarez is the second most expensive player in the league. He has the statistics to support his high standing, as he's scored six goals and recorded seven assists in addition to this. The quality of the player is emphasised by the fact that the Argentinian has been heavily linked with a move to England in the past, with Arsenal believed to be leading the chase.

4. Maxime Lestienne

This is the player that is beating Suarez to the top of the highest market value in the league. The 21-year-old has also enjoyed a very productive season for Club Brugge, registering five goals and seven assists. Lestienne is deserving of a move to a big club soon, and I expect there to be a few that want him.

5. Cheikhou Kouyate

The tall but surprisingly athletic and pacey centre-back is another Anderlecht player to make the list along with Suarez. The dynamic and versatile defender is just 23 years old but is already playing well above his age level. He would be a smart signing for any top team in need of some support for their back four.

6. Jelle Vossen

The Genk star has been in great form this season and is one of the top performers in the league, scoring eight goals and claiming three assists. The 24-year-old would be of good value to any club in need of a prolific and exciting centre forward who has a number of years ahead of him.

7. Guillaume Gillet

Gillet is the third Anderlecht player to make the list but with good reason, as he's one of the few members of the national team that actually plays his football in his native country. However, at the age of 29, he's also one of the oldest players on this list. The right-back would provide good depth for a top half team in the Premier League.