Jarno Lion

Jarno Lion (born 13 February 2001) is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Dutch fourth-tier Derde Divisie club HSV Hoek.

Jarno Lion
Personal information
Date of birth (2001-02-13) 13 February 2001
Place of birth Asse, Belgium
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 HSV Hoek
Youth career
Wolvertem SC
Mechelen
0000–2018 Club Brugge
2018–2021 Mechelen
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2021–2023 Mechelen 0 (0)
2021–2023 → Helmond Sport (loan) 49 (1)
2023– HSV Hoek 0 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 09:32, 20 May 2023 (UTC)

Career

Mechelen

Lion played youth football for Wolvertem SC, Mechelen and Club Brugge, before returning to Mechelen in 2018.[1] In January 2020, he joined the first team on their winter training camp to Spain.[2]

Loan to Helmond Sport

On 4 August 2021, Lion signed his first professional contract with Mechelen and was sent on loan to Dutch Eerste Divisie club Helmond Sport as part of the two clubs' partnership, alongside Jules Houttequiet and Ilias Breugelmans.[1][3] He made his professional debut on 6 August 2021, the opening day of the 2021–22 Eerste Divisie season, where he was a starter at midfielder and played the entire match, which ended in a 2–0 loss against FC Den Bosch at De Vliert.[4] On 15 April 2022, he headed in his first goal off a corner-kick from Arno Van Keilegom in a 5–3 league defeat to Roda JC Kerkrade.[5] As a starting defensive midfielder through the 2021–22 season, Lion was lauded for his performances as the "vacuum cleaner" of Helmond Sport.[6][7]

On 15 June 2022, Lion's loan to Helmond Sport was extended for a second season.[8] He was increasingly benched for newcomers Elmo Lieftink and Michael Chacón during the 2022–23 season, as the club had seen an influx of players under new head coach Sven Swinnen and his replacement, interim coach Tim Bakens.[9][10]

Style of play

Lion is a defensive midfielder, valued for his ability to win the ball and recycle possession quickly.[6] He is also a refined passer of the ball with a good technique. He has compared his style of play to compatriot Axel Witsel.[11]

Career statistics
As of match played 19 May 2023[9]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Mechelen 2020–21 First Division A 0000—00
Helmond Sport (loan) 2021–22 Eerste Divisie 31110—321
2022–23 Eerste Divisie 18010—190
Total 49120—511
Career total 4912000511

    References
    1. "KV Mechelen: contract voor drie jonkies en net als De Bie en Bosiers uitgeleend aan Helmond". Gazet van Antwerpen (in Flemish). 4 August 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
    2. Franken, Thomas (6 January 2020). "Drie KV-jonkies proeven op stage van profbestaan: "Niemand van ons had verwacht dat hij hier zou staan"". Gazet van Antwerpen (in Flemish). Retrieved 5 July 2022.
    3. "Helmond Sport gaat samenwerken met KV Mechelen". Leeuwarder Courant (in Dutch). 15 August 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
    4. "Den Bosch vs. Helmond Sport – 6 August 2021". Soccerway. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
    5. Kleinen, Jelle (15 April 2022). "Roda JC wint op spectaculaire wijze van Helmond Sport". 1limburg (in Dutch).
    6. Ottens, Chris (16 October 2021). "Opvallend onopvallende stofzuiger van Helmond Sport koestert de nul tegen ADO Den Haag: Niet verwacht". Eindhovens Dagblad (in Dutch). Retrieved 5 July 2022.
    7. Biesemans, Eric (22 December 2021). "Stofzuiger Jarno Lion: Ik wil hier in een volwassen competitie ervaring opdoen". Nieuwsblad (in Flemish). Retrieved 5 July 2022.
    8. "KV Mechelen regelt nieuwe uitleenbeurten voor enkele spelers". MSN (in Flemish). 15 June 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
    9. "J. Lion: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
    10. "Bakens neemt tijdelijk de leiding over bij Helmond Sport". Regio8 (in Dutch). 25 October 2022. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
    11. Tomasowa, Jordi (13 August 2022). "Belgische stofzuiger imponeert in de KKD: 'Speelstijl te vergelijken met Witsel'". Voetbalzone (in Dutch). Retrieved 16 December 2022.
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