Zeno Debast was an item on Sunday evening. Just like against Wales, the young central defender let himself be trumped in an aerial duel. In addition, the Anderlecht talent showed uncertainty in possession. And so the verdict of our analyst Eddy Snelders was: “A base place in Qatar is currently a bit too early for Zeno Debast.”
National coach Roberto Martinez did praise the youngster afterwards. “I thought he took another step forward against the Netherlands,” the Spaniard surprised. “Zeno played the way we want it.”
“We cannot judge him on a stagnant phase. He lost a duel against one of the best headers in the world, that can happen. For me, his entire match was positive. I’m happy with his personality and how he picks up on instructions. Truly, Zeno was the discovery of this international period.”
Despite the defeat, Martinez showed no concern for Qatar.
“We just missed the chances to open the score. We came not to win, but to score three goals. A goal would have completely changed the game. After that goal the match changed, but the score doesn’t show what we have accomplished.”
“We also tried a lot of things with new players. This was Onana’s basic debut and only his second international match for Debast. Every player on the pitch has given us a lot of info for the next 7 weeks.”
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