Domenico Tedesco has revealed that two young players, most likely from Gil Suertes’ Under-21 squad, will be called up to the Red Devils. Not to accompany them to the 2024 European Championship, but to prepare for the matches against Luxembourg and Montenegro.
Among the characteristics of this group that were revealed Domenico Tedesco: He has 25 players… but there will be 27 Red Devils (if everyone is fit) in Tubize to prepare for the friendlies against Luxembourg and Montenegro.
These two youngsters are expected to come from Gil Suertes’ Under-21 squad, and their identities should be known by next week, after Tedesco was able to assess his team’s performance. The national coach himself is not sure yet: everything depends on the required profiles.
Connie de Winter is disappointed, but…?
The name that immediately comes to mind is… Connie de Winter. Although he is very disappointed not to be selected by Domenico Tedesco, he remains a mainstay of the Belloften squad and unless Gil Swerts makes a call-up to the second team, he will be called up for the friendly match in Morocco on 4 June. If Jan Vertonghen’s injury is confirmed or something happens to any of the other centre-backs, Tedesco will no longer have 36 options in that position.
De Winter was on the list with Axel Witsel, as the national coach confirmed to us. Amine Al Dakhil was his favourite, but the Burnley defender is injured. In short: a new call from the national coach for Connie de Winter is not excluded, and it will be necessary to put his wounded pride aside to accept it and try to convince again.
Malik Fofana, X Factor at OL
The group of 25 demons includes only one newcomer: Maxime de Cuyper. But another was on his way to discovering the first team: Malik Fofana. The Olympique Lyonnais winger finished the season strongly (2 goals and an assist in the last 4 games).
Tedesco has no shortage of talented young wingers (Doku, Bakayoko, Lobacchio), but Fofana is a pure attacking winger who can do a lot of damage in the final minutes of the game. A profile that can always add something to the team and will be happy just being there. Even if he doesn’t get the open top 26, Fofana could gain some very useful experience.
Mario Struykens invited to fill the ranks?
A prominent name that might cause a stir was mentioned by our colleague Sascha Tavoleri: Mario Struykens Domenico Tedesco will consider joining the group next week. The young talent Nerbedi had a successful first full season with Anderlecht (40 appearances, 6 goals, 7 assists).
The big advantage Stroeykens can use is his versatility. He can play on the wing, at 8, at 10 and even as a striker if really necessary. Such a file is rare and very useful for the national coach, both in training and in matches. However, it is difficult to imagine that it was actually included in the set.
Another right-back: Seckett, Sardella…?
The final position that may need strengthening next week is right-back. Everyone seems very optimistic about Arthur Thiaty, but it is also likely that the Rennes defender will be rested during training matches so that he is not exposed to any risks. De Cuyper, and especially Timothy Castagne, qualified next.
This meant that reinforcements would be needed on the right if Castagne moved to the left. Two names stand out to reinforce this position: Hugo Seckett And Kilian Sardella. Experience favored Sikit, who was already a Red Devil; This season, he is playing for Sardella, who has become one of the best right-backs in the tournament.
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