Brussels, Belgium – For a player seemingly lost in the shuffle at RSC Anderlecht, Alexis Flips continues to harbor unwavering ambition. The 26-year-old French midfielder, currently honing his form with the club’s Futures team, is determined to break back into the first team and fulfill his dream of playing alongside close friend and teammate, Thorgan Hazard. His dedication, fueled by a strong personal connection with Hazard and a refusal to accept a peripheral role, paints a picture of a footballer battling to reclaim his career.
Flips’ journey has been marked by setbacks. Last summer, he found himself excluded from the Anderlecht A-team, joining the ranks of players like Rits, Foket, and Ashimeru who were similarly deemed surplus to requirements. However, rather than seeking an exit, Flips has embraced the opportunity to rebuild his fitness and sharpness with the Futures squad. “I am paid by Anderlecht. If the club lets me spend the season with the Futures, I will do so with pleasure and without complaint,” he stated in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad. “But I am a winner, and I aim as high as possible.” This resolute attitude underscores his commitment to proving his worth at the club.
A Dream Deferred, But Not Abandoned
Flips’ desire to succeed at Anderlecht isn’t solely driven by professional ambition; it’s deeply intertwined with his personal relationship with Thorgan Hazard. The pair have forged a strong bond off the pitch, spending countless hours together playing the board game Catan. “Thorgan is not just a teammate, he is my best friend here. I reckon there isn’t a day that goes by without him coming to my house. Why? We like to play the board game Catan,” Flips shared with Voetbalkrant.com. This close friendship serves as a powerful motivator for Flips, fueling his determination to share the field with Hazard in a competitive match.
The potential for a return to the first team appears to hinge, at least in part, on the appointment of Jérémy Taravel as coach. Flips has already engaged in preliminary conversations with Taravel, noting a positive initial impression. “We chatted briefly, but without going into detail. From what I hear and see, he has a good relationship with the players and the club,” Flips explained. A positive working relationship with the new coach could be the key to unlocking a renewed opportunity for Flips to showcase his abilities.
Hazard’s Continued Presence at Anderlecht
Thorgan Hazard remains a key figure at Anderlecht, having joined the club in September 2023. According to Transfermarkt, his contract with the Belgian side is set to expire in June 2026. Hazard’s consistent presence provides Flips with a tangible goal – a familiar face and a trusted ally to strive towards playing alongside. The dynamic between the two players extends beyond the game itself, offering a supportive environment that could be crucial for Flips’ resurgence.
However, Anderlecht’s recent form has been a source of frustration. A report from Gazet van Antwerpen, dated October 25, 2025, highlighted Hazard’s disappointment following a 1-0 defeat to Charleroi, where he missed a crucial scoring opportunity. The team’s struggles to maintain consistency add another layer of complexity to Flips’ quest for playing time, as he will necessitate to demonstrate his value in a competitive environment.
Waiting for Taravel’s Call
Flips remains optimistic about his future at Anderlecht, but acknowledges the need for Taravel to actively include him in the first-team plans. “I don’t aim for to be Alexis Flips who failed, or Alexis Flips who plays with the Futures, or Alexis Flips who leaves through the back door. I want to succeed, here at Anderlecht,” he asserted. He is reportedly hopeful for a call from Taravel, stating, “If he calls me and says, ‘come back,’ I will.” This direct appeal underscores his eagerness to contribute to the team and his willingness to seize any opportunity that comes his way. VoetbalPrimeur.be reported on this sentiment, emphasizing Flips’ unwavering belief in his ability to produce a positive impact.
The midfielder’s recovery from a recent foot injury has been a crucial step in his journey back to fitness. He is currently using his time with the RSCA Futures to regain match rhythm and sharpness, preparing himself for a potential return to the first team. This proactive approach demonstrates his dedication and commitment to overcoming the challenges he has faced.
The Importance of the Futures Team
Whereas Flips clearly aspires to play at the highest level with Anderlecht’s first team, he acknowledges the value of his time with the Futures squad. He views it as an opportunity to develop his game, maintain his fitness, and demonstrate his commitment to the club. This willingness to embrace the challenge, even while striving for greater heights, speaks to his professionalism and positive attitude.
The situation highlights a common challenge for players on the fringes of a professional squad – balancing the desire for immediate first-team action with the need to maintain fitness and form through opportunities with reserve teams. Flips’ approach suggests a pragmatic understanding of the situation and a determination to make the most of the resources available to him.
Key Takeaways
- Alexis Flips is determined to earn a place in the Anderlecht first team despite being excluded from the squad last summer.
- His close friendship with Thorgan Hazard is a significant motivator in his pursuit of success at the club.
- The appointment of Jérémy Taravel as coach could be pivotal in determining Flips’ future at Anderlecht.
- Flips is currently using his time with the RSCA Futures to regain match fitness and sharpness.
- He remains optimistic about his chances of success and is prepared to seize any opportunity that comes his way.
As Flips continues to work towards his goal, the coming weeks and months will be crucial. The decisions made by coach Taravel, coupled with Flips’ own performances with the Futures team, will ultimately determine whether he can realize his dream of playing alongside Thorgan Hazard and contributing to Anderlecht’s success. The next step in this unfolding story will likely be Taravel’s assessment of Flips’ progress and a potential invitation back to first-team training. Readers can stay updated on Anderlecht’s official website for further announcements regarding team selections and player updates.
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