Video evidence: Steven Defour (Wanted by half the Premier League)

Teams throughout Europe have pricked up their ears to the news that Steven Defour has decided to leave Standard Liege, saying “I have achieved what I wanted to achieve with Standard. Maybe it is best for my career to make an upward step. I feel the time is right for me to move on.”

At the tender age of 20, Defour has been earmarked as one of the most promising players in Belgium. Defour has risen from the ranks of Genk through to moving to one of the biggest clubs in the country, enjoying exposure in the Champions League with Standard, as well as already achieving 19 times for the national side.

And according to reports, his development has not gone unnoticed. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Spurs, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Blackburn and Sunderland are all chasing down Defour’s signature. Interest has also been generated from Italy, with Palermo throwing their name in the hat for the promising Belgian.

So why is Defour so heavily in demand? Standing just 5.7ft tall, the diminutive player-maker has grown a long shadow. He is fully equipped with panoramic vision, astute passing, a high work rate and leadership qualities. He may not premier striker in the world, registering just nine career goals to date, but it is his talent to create and be miserly on the ball which has aroused so much attention.

Back in 2007 Defour was awarded the Golden Shoe, the official award for most valuable player in the league. His talents were then quickly snapped up by Nike. And come the January sales, Defour will likely complete his young journey looking for a new house to move in to in a new league.

Video evidence of Steven Defour can be seen here and here.