Axel Witsel

Axel Witsel is a midfielder of Zenit. He was born on 12 January 1989 in Liège, Belgium.

In 2004 Axel joined the academy of Standard Liège, where he trained during two years. That was not the first academy for Witsel, but it turned out to be the last, because he got absolutely ready to the professional performance.

In the summer 2006, the footballer was offered to pen a professional contract with Standard Liège. Axel was happy his senior career took off, because he had been waiting for that during two years in the youth system. In the summer the same year, the Belgian midfielder sealed a deal and joined the main squad.

Witsel’s lack of performing experience did not prevent the head coach from giving him a place in the starting line-up in the first rounds of the 2006/2007 season. Axel was gradually receiving more playing time and started to take part in almost every game when he reached truly irresistible form. During five years from 2006 till 2011, the footballer made 148 appearances and amassed 33 goals for the first professional club in his career.

In the summer 2011, Portuguese side Benfica agreed the midfielder’s transfer to their ground. In July the same year, Axel completed a move to the new club and joined the main team. Witsel’s career in Portugal was a success from the very beginning, probably due to his huge performing experience, excellent skills and charisma. The footballer featured in 32 games and found the net one time during one season.

On 3 September 2012, Axel finalized a move to Zenit St. Petersburg.

From 2004 till 2009, Witsel was capped 40 times for the Belgium national U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-21 teams. In 2008 the footballer was invited to the full national squad, where he made 27 appearances and contributed five goals.