The 2010–11 season at KRC Genk would become a defining period for Kevin. At nineteen, he was no longer just a promising youth; he was an integral part of the first-team squad. The campaign began with routine preseason training, but Kevin approached each session with intensity and focus. He meticulously studied his role in the midfield, observing patterns, positioning, and timing. The more he analyzed, the more he realized the difference between potential and excellence.
Early in the season, Kevin found himself playing both as an advanced midfielder and occasionally as a deeper orchestrator. His vision, passing accuracy, and calmness under pressure allowed him to dictate play. Genk relied on him to link defense and attack, to control tempo, and to unlock tight defenses. Coaches praised his tactical intelligence, noting that he seemed to read the game in a way few others could.
The pressure was immense. Every match mattered in a title race. Kevin embraced it, channeling the lessons of years of solitude and preparation. Away games tested both skill and mental fortitude. He remembered matches in hostile stadiums where fans jeered relentlessly. Kevin maintained composure, using observation and intelligence to find space and create opportunities. His notebook, still a constant companion, became a place to document observations, successes, and mistakes.
One of the turning points came in a tense league match against a strong rival. Genk was struggling to break down a well-organized defense. Kevin's ability to anticipate runs and control the ball under pressure allowed him to deliver a decisive assist, splitting the defense and enabling a winning goal. The stadium erupted, but Kevin remained calm, quietly returning to his position. That moment reflected not only his technical ability but his mental approach: the focus on the next play, the next opportunity, the next challenge.
By midseason, Kevin had become a fixture in the first team. His performances earned him recognition beyond Belgium, with scouts from major European leagues beginning to take notice. Yet despite attention and praise, Kevin remained humble and disciplined. He continued to follow routines established in Drongen and Gent: early mornings, structured training, tactical study, and quiet reflection at night. The boy from Drongen was still present, shaped by years of dedication and perseverance.
As the season progressed, Genk surged ahead in the league, and Kevin's contributions were pivotal. By the final matches, the team was poised to claim the Belgian Pro League title. Kevin played with intelligence, precision, and composure, orchestrating play and guiding teammates. When the final whistle confirmed Genk as champions, Kevin allowed himself a brief smile, acknowledging the culmination of years of preparation, sacrifice, and relentless focus.
That season was more than a championship. It was validation. Kevin had shown that talent, combined with intelligence, work ethic, and mental resilience, could achieve remarkable results. He had begun to step out of the shadows of youth football and assert himself as a rising star in Belgium and beyond.