National coach Roberto Martínez has announced the final Belgian squad for the decisive World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Wales. Due to the injury of Romelu Lukaku and the absence of Thomas Vermaelen, the trainer comes up with some surprising names. Former Excelsior and sc Heerenveen defender Wout Faes belongs to the selection of Martínez for the first time.
The 23-year-old mandekker, who was leased by Anderlecht to Excelsior (2016/17) and Heerenveen (2017/18) currently plays in France for Stade Reims. “Wout Faes has taken on a leadership role in France for the last two seasons. He plays there every game and is still young”, explained Martínez at the press conference. The national coach cannot appeal to Vermaelen, who was not given permission by Vissel Kobe to leave Japan due to the quarantine rules.
Devils to qualify for the #WorldCup. #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/TqMGzorOpq
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) Nov 5, 2021
To secure qualification for the World Cup, Belgium cannot count on Lukaku during the coming international period. The Chelsea striker injured his ankle two weeks ago during the Champions League match with Malmö FF (4-0 win). This gives Dante Vanzeir of Union Saint-Gillis the opportunity to show himself. The Belgian club is surprisingly at the top of the Jupiler Pro League, partly thanks to nine goals from the 23-year-old attacker.
“Dante Vanzeir is working on a wonderful story with Union,” said Martínez. “He is a crucial link in the game of coach Felice Mazzu. It is an excellent opportunity for him to prove himself here as well. He is a versatile attacker, we will see what role he can play with us.” The national coach also spoke briefly about Eden Hazard at the press conference. “Eden has worked very hard, he is 100 percent fit. But he also has to make game minutes,” said Martínez. “He is not the player who will get rhythm in training, but he needs matches. He will get those match minutes with us. Medically everything is fine with Hazard, which is positive. The extra work he has done is incredible.”
Full selection Belgium:
Target: Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge), Matz Sels ( Strasbourg)
Defense: Toby Alderweireld (Al-Duhail), Dedryck Boyata (Hertha Berlin), Jason Denayer (Olympique Lyon), Leander Dendoncker (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Wout Faes (Stade Reims), Arthur Theate (Bologna), Jan Vertonghen (Benfica)
Midfield: Yannick Carrasco (Atlético Madrid), Timothy Castagne (Leicester City), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund), Dennis Praet (Leicester City), Youri Tielemans (Leicester City), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Borussia Dortmund), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Albert Sambi Lokonga (Arsenal)
Attack: Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace), Charles De Ketelaere (Club Brugge), Eden Hazard (Real Madrid), Dries Mertens (Napoli), Divock Origi (Liverpool), Leandro Trossard (Brighton & Hove Albion), Dante Vanzeir (Union Sint-Gillis )