A late flourish of goals and the possible departure of Paul Onuachu away from Genk could mean a bigger role for Cyriel Dessers in the new season.
Otherwise, Dessers lived this past season in the huge shadow of Onuachu, who was crowned Goal King of Belgium after 35 goals in all competitions.
There were huge expectations when the former Heracles striker teamed up with his hometown club last summer after emerging joint top scorer at next-door Holland with 15 goals.
However, the awesome form of compatriot Onuachu will consign Dessers to the substitute bench and this damaged his self-belief.
The 26-year-old striker finished the campaign with seven goals in 32 appearances mostly as a sub.
Interestingly, three of these goals came in the championship playoffs.
“I have now scored three times in three games. I think I have strengthened my position in the group a bit,” Dessers told Het Nieuwsblad.
“I don’t want a raise or a better salary, I just want to play.”
Genk won the Belgium Cup and will feature in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League after they finished runners-up to Club Brugge in the league.
This will be another chance for Dessers, who made his long-awaited Super Eagles debut in October against Tunisia, to prove he can also lead the Genk attack, like Onuachu did so admirably last season.
