Karim Dermane, born on December 26, 2003, in Sokodé, Togo, is a versatile midfielder standing just over 1.75 meters tall. A right-footed player, he currently represents Belgian club Lommel SK. Dermane’s contract extends until 2028, and his market value is estimated at €1.50 million. Known for his technical intelligence and defensive reliability, he is making waves as a standout prospect in European football.
Career Overview
Dermane began his football journey at Planète Foot Academy in Togo, where his natural talent first became evident. He briefly trained with WAFA in Ghana before signing his first European contract with Feyenoord Rotterdam in 2022. Although he did not break into Feyenoord’s first team, Lommel SK recognized his potential, leading to his transfer in 2023. Since joining the Belgian club, Dermane has become a key player in their Challenger Pro League campaign.
Lommel SK (2023–Present)
On June 15, 2023, Lommel SK, a club under the City Football Group (CFG), acquired Dermane for €2.1 million. Predominantly deployed as a defensive midfielder in their 4-3-3 system, he has excelled at controlling the game’s tempo, while also showcasing his versatility as a box-to-box midfielder. With his impressive work rate and tactical discipline, he has played every available minute of the 2024 season, cementing himself as a crucial part of Lommel’s squad. Despite his deep role, Dermane's profile suggests that he could be even more effective if used in a more dynamic, box-to-box capacity, allowing him to fully utilize his offensive and defensive skills.
International Career
Dermane made his senior debut for the Togo national team on March 24, 2022, in a 3-0 win over Sierra Leone. He scored his first international goal in a 2-1 victory against Ivory Coast on September 24, 2022. His development at Lommel SK suggests he is on track to become a cornerstone of Togo’s midfield in the years to come, with growing responsibilities for the national team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Dermane is a midfielder known for his technical prowess, agility, and high football intelligence. Although not particularly tall, his compact stature gives him a low center of gravity, which, combined with his athleticism, makes him highly effective in both defensive and offensive transitions. In possession-heavy systems, Dermane’s press-resistance and tactical intelligence would allow him to dictate the tempo of the game, while his defensive work ensures solidity in transitions.
His dribbling abilities are noteworthy, especially in tight spaces where he excels at bypassing pressure with quick movements. As a press-resistant player, Dermane thrives under pressure, distributing the ball effectively to advance play. He also possesses decent ball-striking ability, making him a threat in the final third, although he plays predominantly in deeper areas of the pitch which has reduced his shooting volume.
Tactical Role
At Lommel SK, Dermane plays a vital role in their 4-3-3 formation, often dropping deep to initiate build-up play. His tactical awareness and positioning make him an essential bridge between defense and attack. While he performs well as a deep-lying midfielder, his attributes suggest he could be more impactful as a box-to-box midfielder, where his energy, stamina, and ability to drive the team forward would shine.
Offensive Contributions
Dermane’s offensive contributions are often overlooked due to his deep role, but his vision and passing range allow him to influence the game in the final third. His ability to carry the ball forward at pace helps facilitate quick counterattacks. Though he isn’t known for scoring goals, his decent ball-striking and creative play suggest that, when pushed higher up the pitch, he could be more involved in offensive actions. His profile indicates that he should be used in a more forward-moving, box-to-box capacity to maximize his potential.
Defensive Contributions
Defensively, Dermane stands out for his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions. His interceptions and recoveries are consistently high, especially in transition moments. Dermane's anticipation and understanding of the game enable him to break up opposition attacks. He tends to stay positioned in front of the defense, cutting off passing lanes and preventing the opposition from penetrating through the middle. His tackling, while effective in most situations, can sometimes be mistimed, leading to fouls in dangerous areas.
Nevertheless, his relentless work rate allows him to cover vast ground, ensuring his presence is felt across the pitch.
Areas of Improvement
Despite his growing reputation, Dermane still has room for improvement. His physicality and experience at higher levels of competition need development, particularly when it comes to defensive positioning and tackling consistency. Furthermore, given his potential as a box-to-box midfielder, his club could benefit more from using him in more advanced roles, allowing him to express his offensive creativity more freely. This would maximize his abilities and improve his overall contributions.
Conclusion
Karim Dermane is a rising star in European football, showcasing a blend of defensive solidity and offensive potential. His ability to control the tempo, distribute under pressure, and make defensive contributions make him an invaluable asset for Lommel SK. However, to fully unlock his potential, Dermane could be used in a more dynamic, box-to-box role, where his dribbling, ball-striking, and passing abilities would thrive. As his physicality and experience grow, there is no doubt that Dermane will attract the attention of top-tier European clubs. Should Lommel SK not secure promotion, a move to a higher-level club seems inevitable for this promising midfielder.
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