Fact File: Julien de Sart

After becoming Derby County's first signing of the January 2017 winter transfer window, dcfc.co.uk has taken an in-depth look at all you need to know about midfielder Julien de Sart...

Name: Julien Ariel de SartAge: 22 (Born 23 December 1994)Position: MidfielderFormer Clubs: Standard Liège & MiddlesbroughBorn in the city of Waremme, Liège, Julien Ariel de Sart began his footballing journey with historical Belgian outfit Standard Liège in 2013, having spent 10 years working his way through the club’s youth system.Earmarked as a rising Belgian star, he originally made his debut in the UEFA Europa League against FC Minsk. His league debut came just three days later against R.A.E.C. Mons, but was one to remember for all the wrong reasons as he sent off late in the game.That aside, de Sart’s first season in the Belgian Pro League proved to be quite fruitful. He played 25 times and scored two goals as Liège went on to claim a second placed finish.The following season proved to be just as successful as the defensive midfielder clocked up another 29 outings, scoring one goal, in helping Liège to a fourth-placed finish and a Europa League spot.The 2015/16 season would prove to be his last to date in his homeland as his impressive displays caught the eyes of the then promotion-chasing Middlesbrough, who moved to sign him on the final day of the 2016 winter transfer window after making 66 appearances for Standard Liège.Before linking up with the Rams, he made three appearances for Boro, two of which came as Aitor Karanka’s side earned promotion back to the top flight.de Sart has represented Belgium at every level from Under 16s right through to Under 21s, but is yet to make his senior bow.He recently figured in Belgium Under 21s’ UEFA U21 European Championship qualifier against Latvia, but a 1-0 defeat ended any hopes of de Sart and co featuring in the competition’s finals this coming summer in Poland.Tweets by @ dcfcofficial