Milan Taildeman, Belgian football has become one of the true hotbeds of talent development in European football. Over the last two decades, the nation has risen from being a mid-tier European side to being a potential favourite for every tournament. Part of that progress stems from a domestic league which is increasingly focused on talent development.
Various clubs in the country have become famed for their excellent academy set-ups. Alongside blooding their own, intelligent youth scouting helps teams in Belgium to find youth players before they emerge as international footballers.
One club with a strong history of player development is OH Leuven. Though by no means among the largest clubs in Belgian football, they have become a respected club domestically and on the continent. An intelligent approach to player development and coaching has seen OHL grow in stature. For those looking to clubs like OHL for the next breakthrough talent, one name to keep an eye on is Milan Taildeman.
Who is Milan Taildeman?
A left-back by trade, Taildeman has enjoyed a developmental jump this year. Having moved closer to the first-team, Taildeman has progressed from the U17 sides to the highest levels at the club. Comfortable going forward, Milan Taildeman is a classic modern full-back – pacey, athletic, capable of getting forward, and a decent crosser of the ball.
Like any young player without senior experience, there is improvement to come but, at OHL, that improvement is likely to be coaxed out of the youngster.
Belgian football has often had problems with full-back positions. The international team has struggled to find elite talent to fill in these key roles. A common issue has been a lack of balance at the full or wing-back areas. The hope is that Taildeman could be one of a generation of young full-backs coming through the system.
What does the future hold for Milan Taildeman?
Like any young player, the future is hard to predict. At only 20 years of age and with an impressive development curve, though, Taildeman is likely to see some form of game time in the coming seasons at his current club. Though he is currently out injured for the rest of the 2021-22 season, hopes are high that he can take his game to the next level and make his professional debut in the season to come.
Belgians have long grown used to the national team seeing many young players arrive on the scene. The domestic game is a great place for young players to grow, and Taildeman definitely has another level to come in terms of growth. With OHL likely to go through a squad change in the summer, Taildeman could find himself in a position to compete for a first-team position.
Though talk of playing for the Red Devils is still a long way away, the development path has been set for Taildeman and others. With another generation set to come through and take their chance with both hands, Milan Taildeman could be a very intriguing prospect to keep an eye on for years to come.
