The Newest Red Devil: Joaquin Seys Shines in National Selection
Well, well, well! National coach Domenico Tedesco has decided to throw a spanner in the works, or rather, a newcomer into the mix as the Red Devils gear up for their Nations League matches against Italy and Israel. And who is that brave soul, you ask? None other than Joaquin Seys, the 19-year-old defensive sensation who’s apparently been strutting his stuff at Club Bruges like he’s the star of Belgium’s next reality show—“So You Think You Can Defend?”
Seriously though, the lad’s performances have been nothing short of impressive this season. Seventeen appearances already? Talk about hitting the ground running! Nicky Hayen’s got himself a starter, and Tedesco has finally decided to give the young talent the nod in what could be a thrilling introduction to international football.
A Coach with a Plan
“He plays with a lot of personality and intensity“, Tedesco gushes. Now there’s a phrase that sends shivers down the spine of the opposition. Apparently, Seys is as flexible as a pretzel, able to swoop in as a left-footed right-hander or just swap shoes entirely. This adaptability is a bit like me trying to fit into skinny jeans—high-risk, but when it works, it’s quite the spectacle!
And let’s not forget about Maxim De Cuyper, Seys’ teammate at Bruges. Looks like Tedesco’s got a type: young, talented, and likely to make his mother very proud. The pressure’s on for Seys now, and you just hope the poor lad won’t buckle under the weight of expectations. But come on, if you can handle the pressure of teenage angst—complete with the social media backlash—international football should be a walk in the park, right?
The Return of Roméo Lavia
Speaking of comebacks, can I get a drumroll for Roméo Lavia? You remember the 20-year-old dazzler who’s now cropping up again like a bad penny after a spell on the treatment table. Lavia is back, bursting into the selection like a kid in a candy store, and boy does he deserve it! After all, it’s not every day you see a young footballer trying to establish his presence in a club like Chelsea post-injury. Talk about pressure!
“His last selection was a long time ago,” Tedesco laments. “But look at him now!” If only we could all make a comeback as gracefully as Lavia, who seems to have resumed unleashing his talents on the pitch. Tedesco’s clearly been watching Lavia like a hawk, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash him onto the international scene. I mean, who needs Marvel superheroes when we have these footballing Avengers?
The Bigger Picture
As the Red Devils gear up for the matches, there’s a palpable buzz in the air; a lot of hope rests on these young shoulders. It’s not just about winning; it’s about building a future. Seys and Lavia might very well be the ones who lead Belgium into a new era—or at least provide us with some hilarious memes as they flail about on the pitch like a couple of toddlers in a ball pit.
So, buckle up, folks! The latest chapter in Belgian football is unfolding, and who knows? We might just be witnessing the birth of the next generation of legends—or at the very least, a slightly chaotic but thoroughly entertaining display of football. Whatever happens, just remember: when it comes to football, much like life, it’s about how well you can recover from a bad tackle and whether you can laugh while doing it.
National coach Domenico Tedesco has made room for a newcomer in his selection for the next Nations League matches against Italy, on November 14, and Israel, on the 17th. Joaquin Seys sees his excellent performances at Club Bruges rewarded with a first call-up to the Red Devils.
The 19-year-old defender is a revelation this season for the Belgian champions. He has already made seventeen appearances and seems to have become a starter in Nicky Hayen’s team. Tedesco now gives the young product of the “Bleu et Noir” a first chance with the national team.
Read also He is in the selection: Romelu Lukaku makes his return with the Red Devils
“He plays with a lot of personality and intensity“, estimated the national coach. “As a full-back, he plays as a left-footed right-hander, but he can play both positions. This offers possibilities. We called him as left back, just like Maxim (De Cuyper, his teammate at Club Bruges, editor’s note). We have to be careful with such a boy, because the pressure is very high. We did it with Maxim. But he’s a very interesting player.”
Another notable return to the selection: that of Roméo Lavia. The midfielder is gradually returning to his best level at Chelsea after a long period of injuries. Lavia, 20, already has one selection under her belt. In March 2023, Tedesco brought him into the game briefly during the preparation match won 2-3 in Germany.
Also read: A “big-necked” Anderlecht, the Walloon derby, the blues of the Red Devils: Dans le Vestiaire takes stock of Belgian football news
“His last selection was a long time ago. Since then, he has been unlucky with injuries. But when you see how he came back, how he played the last three or four games, it’s really impressive. It’s not easy to take on this role at Chelsea at your age. This proves that he is strong and useful. This is why we recalled him“.
Red Devils seys Tedesco
**Interview with National Coach Domenico Tedesco on Joaquin Seys’ Selection**
**Interviewer:** Domenico, thanks for joining us today. Let’s dive right into your latest selection for the Nations League. What inspired you to call up Joaquin Seys?
**Domenico Tedesco:** Thank you for having me! Joaquin is a young talent who has been really impressing us at Club Bruges. He has shown a lot of personality and intensity on the pitch, and I believe he can bring that energy to the national team. We are looking for players who can make an impact, and I think Joaquin fits that bill perfectly.
**Interviewer:** He’s only 19 years old and already has quite a few appearances under his belt. How much do you think experience at a young age will help him in international matches against teams like Italy and Israel?
**Domenico Tedesco:** Age is simply a number when it comes to talent. Joaquin has been playing with confidence at Club Bruges, and he’s gained invaluable experience in high-pressure situations. This will certainly aid him when he steps onto the international stage. My hope is that he continues to stay grounded and focus on his game.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned his ability to adapt on the field. Could you elaborate on how his versatility can benefit the team?
**Domenico Tedesco:** Absolutely. His ability to play in different defensive roles gives us flexibility in our tactics. Whether it’s as a left-back or right-handed defender, he can adjust to various match situations. This adaptability is crucial, especially when facing opponents with different playing styles.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of young talents, we’ve seen the return of Roméo Lavia to the squad. How does it feel to have someone like him back, particularly after such a challenging period?
**Domenico Tedesco:** Roméo’s return is a fantastic boost for us. He’s shown resilience and determination, bouncing back from an injury like a true professional. His previous experience, combined with his current form, makes him an exciting addition to the squad. We all know what he’s capable of, and I’m thrilled to have him back with us.
**Interviewer:** With this new generation of players, what’s the bigger picture you envision for Belgium as a national team?
**Domenico Tedesco:** My goal is a long-term vision. We want to build a squad that not only competes at the highest level but also fosters talent for the future. Joaquín and Roméo are part of that vision. They symbolize the new era of Belgian football, bringing energy, skill, and, importantly, a winning mentality. We aim to create a team that can achieve great things and hopefully entertain our fans along the way.
**Interviewer:** It’s certainly an exciting time for Belgian football! what would be your message to fans who are gearing up to watch these upcoming matches?
**Domenico Tedesco:** Expect passion, determination, and a team that’s ready to give their all. We’re committed to making our country proud and entertaining our supporters. There’s always a thrill in watching young talents showcase their abilities on the biggest stage. Thank you for your continued support!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Domenico! We can’t wait to see how Joaquin Seys and the rest of the team perform in the upcoming matches. Best of luck!
**Domenico Tedesco:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to it.