Leander Dendoncker has been reborn in La Liga after his summer exit from Aston Villa, scoring the winner for Real Oviedo against Real Sociedad and helping the newly promoted side to their first victory of the campaign.
The 30-year-old midfielder endured two difficult years at Villa Park and failed to impress Unai Emery, before loan spells at Napoli and Anderlecht ended without success. But Dendoncker is thriving in Asturias, with Belgian outlet Gazet van Antwerpen reporting that he has “rediscovered his passion for football” since his permanent switch.
Liberation After Villa Struggles
Dendoncker’s time at Aston Villa was marked by frustration. He joined from Wolves in 2022, but Emery’s arrival later that year left him sidelined, starting only sporadically and recording fewer than 1,000 minutes across two seasons. Loan spells in Italy and Belgium did little to revive his form, and by this summer he was surplus to requirements at Villa Park.
His move to Real Oviedo, however, has brought instant dividends. The midfielder has played the full 90 minutes in each of his first two matches, capping his debut run with a crucial winner against Sociedad.
“It wasn’t just any goal. For Dendoncker himself, it represented a kind of liberation after several difficult seasons at Aston Villa and a less-than-successful loan spell at Anderlecht.” — Gazet van Antwerpen
Stats Snapshot — Dendoncker 2025/26 (Real Oviedo)
| Stat (2025/26) | Dendoncker |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 2 |
| Minutes Played | 180 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Pass Accuracy | 86% |
source: sofascore match data – 2 September 2025
Dendoncker has already matched his entire goal tally from two years at Villa, a sign of both confidence and a system at Oviedo that makes the most of his experience.
Analyst Verdict — John William
Dendoncker’s revival is a reminder of how environment can make or break a career. At Villa, his lack of dynamism limited him in Emery’s high-energy setup. At Oviedo, his ability to anchor midfield and arrive late in the box is valued, giving him freedom and responsibility.
If he continues in this form, he won’t just be a key player for Oviedo’s survival bid; he could also put himself back on the radar for Belgium, especially as the national team faces a generational shift in midfield.
Key Insights
- Leander Dendoncker joined Real Oviedo permanently this summer after loans at Napoli and Anderlecht.
- He has played two full matches and scored the winner against Real Sociedad.
- Belgian media say he has “rediscovered his passion for football” in Spain.
- The midfielder struggled at Aston Villa, making fewer than 1,000 minutes under Unai Emery.
- Oviedo hope his experience will help them establish themselves in La Liga.
What’s Next for Dendoncker?
Real Oviedo will expect Dendoncker to be a leader in their midfield as they adjust to life in Spain’s top division. For the Belgian, this move represents a chance to rebuild his reputation after years of frustration.
Can Dendoncker turn his fresh start in Spain into a late-career renaissance — and force his way back into Belgium’s plans?
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