Shunsuke Saito scores twice as Westerlo defeats Mechelen

Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Saito has emerged as a standout performer in the Belgian Pro League following a dominant performance for Westerlo. During a Matchday 5 fixture against Mechelen on September 5, Saito scored two goals to help his side secure a 4-0 victory.

Saito, 21, joined Westerlo from Mito HollyHock in January. His two-goal performance brings his tally to four goals in five matches (depending on media counting of an own goal in a previous match), placing him in a tie for the top of the league's scoring rankings.

In the same match, fellow Japanese players Issa Sakamoto and Seiji Kimura also featured in the starting lineup. Sakamoto contributed a goal in the 7th minute and an assist in the 88th minute. Saito's recent form has drawn significant attention from fans and local media, with discussions regarding his potential move to larger European clubs.