One to Watch – Florent Cuvelier

Name: Florent Cuvelier

Date of Birth: 12/9/1992

Nationality: Belgium

Former Clubs: Stoke City

League Appearances (Goals): 21 (4)

International Appearances (Goals): 0 (0)

Player Profile: The likes of Walsall have profited hugely from the loan system and the addition of Belgium U19 international Florent Cuvelier has certainly added an extra dimension to the League 1 outfit. The attacking midfielder re-joined The Saddlers on loan from Stoke at the beginning of the season, and his creativity and ingenuity has seen him become a firm fans favourite. The Belgian international side has seen an emergence of impressive talent in the past few years with the likes of Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Marouane Fellaini bursting onto the Premier League scene, and Cuvelier has already stated his ambition in following in the footsteps of his heroes.

QPR have significantly faltered in recent seasons in the League Cup and to take Walsall and Cuvelier lightly would be another immense mistake in attempting to get their season up and running. The technically gifted and creative performer will have to be kept under close watch if The Rs are hopeful of ending a dreadful run in the competition.

Playing Career

Florent Cuvelier started playing for his local Belgian side Mouscron before moving to England to sign for Portsmouth. His stay on the south coast was short lived as he rejected offers from Man City, Spurs and Fulham to eventually sign for Stoke in July 2010. He spent the 2010/2011 season with the academy, featuring heavily in reserve side fixtures as well.

In the 2012 January transfer window, Cuvelier joined Walsall on an initial one month loan and after quickly impressing, his deal was extended until the end of the season. He finished the campaign with four goals in eighteen appearances, earning admirers both at Walsall and back at Stoke. He returned to Walsall at the beginning of this season on a six month loan deal, with the potential to extend it until the end of the season.

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