Moroccan midfielder Bilal El Khannous named top talent in Belgium

Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss has been named the talent of the season in the Belgian football league, at the Pro League Awards ceremony held yesterday in Middelkerke (North-West Belgium).

The FC Genk midfielder beat Matt Smits (Saint-Trond) and Brazilian Igor Thiago (Club Brugge) in a poll organized from May 13 to 24 among the league's players and coaches.

El Khannouss, 20, and Smits received the same number of votes, but the Moroccan international edged out the Belgian to win the «Talent of the Season» award, which is reserved for players under the age of 23.

The Moroccan scored 3 goals and provided 6 assists in 36 league games. His team, fifth in the standings, will meet La Gantoise on Sunday in a play-off for the last European ticket.