Vanaken was known for his exceptional football qualities and his ability to win games, but also for being a poor loser. His former teammate Gregory Van Nooten recalled that Vanaken would get upset when he lost, saying "Hans was toen al een héél slechte verliezer". Van Nooten also mentioned that Vanaken was never impressed by anything, but would get emotional when he lost.
Vanaken's former youth coach, Van Duren, noted that the Belgian midfielder was not the fastest player, but he made up for it with his exceptional vision and ability to think quickly. Van Duren remembered how Vanaken would play in different positions, including number four and number ten, and how he would easily control the ball.
Vanaken will face his former youth club PSV on Wednesday evening in the Champions League, as Club Brugge takes on PSV at the Philips Stadion at 21:00.
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