De Cuyper – Engels: the kids of the Red Devils must grow up

2024-11-15 09:30:00

Nations League: a powerless Belgium loses to Italy (0-1)

It was less expected that young Arne Engels would receive his first start for the national team in such a complicated match. Preferred over Mangala, the 21-year-old Celtic midfielder, who was making his third selection this Thursday, was supposed to help Onana and Trossard make the link between the reinforced defense and the attacking duo.

Let’s say it right away, it didn’t work. The former Augsburg resident had difficulty existing. Even if he started rather well by clearing the rectangle on a cross from Bastoni (5th) then blocking a shot from Dimarco (8th), he was not very solid in his defensive work, like the 1 -0 where he is not the main culprit, but was unable to prevent Tonali from scoring.

The problem is that he was not effective in his offensive contribution either, with no pass leading to a shot or an opportunity.

The two kids still have to grow up.

Trossard the only one with ideas, Faes multiplies the errors, Lukaku absent for 80 minutes: the scores of the Devils against Italy

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What are the potential long-term ‍benefits of integrating young players like Arne Engels⁣ into the national team?

**Interview with Football ⁣Analyst, Jane Smith**

**Editor:** Thank you⁤ for joining us, Jane. Following Belgium’s recent loss to Italy​ in the‌ Nations League, many have raised questions about the performance⁢ of young ⁤players like Arne⁢ Engels. What’s your take⁤ on his unexpected starting role in such a crucial⁣ match?

**Jane:** Thanks for having me! It was certainly a high-stakes environment ‍for Engels to make his ⁤debut. While ⁢his ⁣selection speaks to Belgium’s‍ push to integrate younger talent, it’s evident ⁤that‍ the pressure of‌ the match​ may have been too much ‌for him at this stage in his⁣ career.

**Editor:** You mentioned⁤ pressure. How⁢ do you think this experience⁤ will​ affect ‍his development moving forward?

**Jane:** It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, playing at such‍ a level can accelerate a young player’s growth, fostering resilience and‍ learning. On⁣ the other,⁣ a tough debut‍ could shake​ confidence. The⁣ key ⁤will be ⁣how ​the coaching staff and ​the senior ⁤players‍ support him after this.

**Editor:** In terms of Belgium’s⁣ overall strategy, do you think relying on younger players like Engels is the right approach, especially given the ‌team’s ‍current struggles?

**Jane:** It’s a ⁢strategy⁣ that reflects the ⁢need for⁣ renewal. However, it also raises questions about the balance between experience⁣ and youth. A national team needs synergy, particularly when facing strong⁤ opponents like Italy. Fans‌ must ask if this⁣ is the right moment for such experimentation.

**Editor:** Speaking of balance,⁢ did you see any promising signs ⁤from ‍other ⁢players, or ​was it mainly a disappointing performance across the board?

**Jane:** Trossard was‌ the standout, showing flashes of creativity, but ‍there‍ were⁢ more⁣ questions than answers. The defense was shaky, ‍and key players like Lukaku were​ largely absent. It suggests ‍that while the ‌youth ‍need time to grow, a solid foundation of experienced players‍ is equally⁣ important.

**Editor:** Reflecting on the match, ‌do you‌ think ​fans should be concerned about ‌the current⁢ trajectory of the national team?

**Jane:** Absolutely, that’s a valid concern. Fans should engage ‌in a healthy debate about ‍how to balance building for the ​future versus maintaining⁤ competitiveness now. It’s a ⁣pivotal ‌moment for Belgian football—what ⁣direction⁣ should the team ​take?

**Editor:** That’s ⁤a critical question for discussion. How​ do you think our readers will feel⁤ about this blend of youth ​and experience in the‌ team’s setup?

**Jane:** ‍I expect a mixed response. ⁢Some will advocate for a youth revolution, while others‍ will call for a return‌ to tried-and-true ⁣veterans. It’s‍ a fascinating debate that can shape the future‍ of Belgium’s football.

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