When was the last time a club in Belgium ran away with the league regular season title like this? EDIT: I take the question back. I looked up some prior seasons and see that it's not uncommon.
Hard to imagine that he won't. He's had a few stinkers but overall has been a force this season. He's gaining the kind of consistency that one only gets with experience, and he's doing it at an "old" position at the age of 24 (which he just turned 2 days ago). His skillset is pretty well-rounded and modern. Given Genk's status and history, he would probably be able to go for a modest fee (their highest outgoing CB transfer is under $10M, for example).
On the other hand, I could see McKenzie also benefiting from another year at Genk. It would give him a chance to further develop more consistency and also offer him (barring a total collapse) the opportunity at Champions League group stage footy.
Highlights are up here they start at 15:35. From a Genk perspective, a comprehensive win over a team that was not very strong.
Solid game from our guy. He almost scored on a header. Not at fault for any of the goals, IMHO. Always there to stop progress or make the intervention. Great hops!. Way out in front in the league.
Whoscored gave him a 6.6 for the match. Both outside backs were over 7.0. They will be 8 points up on Union St. Gilloise unless a major disaster happens.
Next match - 12 March 2023 Genk vs Union St. Gilloise 2:45 EST ESPN + A win by Genk over Union St. Gilloise who played away at Union Berlin on Thursday could see an 11 point gap open up for the championship. A Union St. Gilloise loss could see Antwerp move up to 2nd in the table.
Started: Onze 𝗘𝗟𝗙 startende GENKIES. ⚔️#mijnploeg #gnkusg pic.twitter.com/7zTwdX235D— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) March 12, 2023 Trailing 2-1 early in the 2nd after giving up goals in 42nd & 44th. Match is on ESPN+.
A win would essentially kill off Union as a legitimate challenger for the title, a loss brings it to only 5 points.
They lost 2-1. They thought he scored an equalizing goal, but called off for handball (probably wouldn't have been called if it hadn't gone in): ❌ Mark McKenzie has a goal ruled out by VAR 😶 pic.twitter.com/NRZeARKiLB— USMNT burner (@burnerusmnt) March 12, 2023 KRC Genk @KRCGenkofficial 87' | DOUBLE CHANGE Mark McKenzie and Joseph Paintsil were replaced by Aziz Ouattara and Angelo Preciado. #mijnploeg #gnkusg
Highlights are here and start at 9:41. Questionable handball on McKenzie that led to the VAR no goal.
Hoping that McKenzie evolves into a more complete defender this cycle. I was critical of him last cycle, but all of his deficiencies seem to be related to inexperience/just being raw rather than raw potential. He seems to, according to reports, have matured in this past season.
17 March vs Circle Brugge 3:40 pm am EST on ESPN + As normal, McKenzie should start. This is a big match for both clubs. Genk needs to stay ahead of Union St. Gilloise who has closed the gap. Circle needs a win to maintain their spot in Playoff 2.