Poor Tahith Chong was unable to play a part in Club Brugge’s Europa League campaign last week as he was not registered in the squad.

The good news was that this kept him fresh for the Belgian side’s Monday night game at home to OH Leuven. And it paid off immediately.

Chong was integral to Club Brugge’s 3-0 win, playing a part in the team’s opening two goals.

Waasland Beveren v Club Brugge - Pro League
(Photo by Herman Dingler/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

After just eight minutes Chong provided an assist to put Brugge 1-0 up. Then six minutes before half-time he won a penalty with a quick run into the box which saw him brought down by the goalkeeper.

This was a strong performance from the young Dutchman, who is finding his feet at his second club of the season after a disappointing loan spell at Werder Bremen.

Chong by the numbers

Chong created four chances in Club Brugge’s victory, more than twice as many as any other player on his team.

He was fouled five times in total as OH Leuven struggled to contain him.

Chong was playing on the left wing, although his penalty win came when he drifted over to the right side of the 18-yard box.

 

Club Brugge are now 25 points clear in first place at the top of the Jupiler Pro League.

Chong has one goal and two assists in three total appearances so far, two of which have been starts.

This was what he needed

Playing and shining for Club Brugge is better for Chong’s development than sitting on Werder Bremen’s bench.

While the Belgian league is an easier standard than the Bundesliga, the point for Chong is to play competitive football regularly and improve. He wasn’t getting that in Germany.

Chong is picking up confidence with his performances and if he continues like this then his loan will have been a very successful one.

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