AXEL WISEL BIOGRAPHY
Axel Tomas Witsel born 12 January 1989 in Liège is a Belgian football player who plays for Standard Liège in Belgium. His natural position is defensive midfielder, but he came into the first team as a right-winger and can easily play on the left wing too. His father has roots in Martinique (French Caribbean) and is a former football player.
On 17 September 2006 a 17-year-old Witsel made his debut in a competitive game against FC Brussels when he replaced Steven Defour in the 89th minute. Eleven days later he made his European debut as a substitute.
During the 2007–08 season, at 18 years of age, he was a key member in the team that won the Belgian League title. During this year, he formed a very young midfield together with other Belgian talents Marouane Fellaini and Steven Defour. In the following season he scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in a two-legged playoff to decide the Championship.
On 30 August 2009, Witsel sparked controversy when he broke Marcin Wasilewski's leg by stamping on his ankle during the match between Anderlecht and Standard.Following the tackle, Witsel protested the red card, claiming that it was an accident without intent, before being sent off the pitch. He soon apologised, but was the subject of criticism from several media outlets and numerous death threats from angry Anderlecht and Poland fans. The initial ban until 23 November by the Belgian Football Association, was later reduced on appeal to eight matches
AXEL WISEL PROFILE
Full name: Axel Tomas Witsel
Date of birth: 12 January 1989
Place of birth: Liège, Belgium
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Playing position: Midfielder
Club information
Current club: Standard Liège
Number: 28
Youth career
2004–2006 Standard Liège
Senior career
2006– Standard Liège 104 (21)
National team
2008– Belgium 17 (5)
