Strong holder of Union is (finally) there, lots of violence to replace Lukaku: this is the selection of the Red Devils
Who conjured Rudi Garcia out of his hat this time? The Red Devils will play next Thursday (in Liechtenstein) and Sunday (against Kazakhstan) two qualifying matches for the World Cup in 2026. The national coach announced his third selection and opted for these names. View below.
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Penders, Sels and Vandevoordt.
Defenders: Castagne, Debast, De Cuyper, De Winter, Mechele, Meunier, Seys and Theate.
Midfielders: De Bruyne, Raskin, Tielemans, Vanaken, and Vanhoutte.
Attackers: Batttuag, De Cateku, Delaere, Fopfana, Defaira, Salemel, Salemels and do not.
Rudi Garcia has announced his third selection for the Red Devils. This time for the diptych at World Cup qualification matches against Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan.
Two feasible cards, but due to the loss of points (four out of six) from the previous international match campaign, the Frenchman opted for a selection at full strength. Strong holders were not kept behind.
This is how Thibaut Courtois returns after an injury. He is and remains the number one in Belgium. In addition, Sels, Vandevoordt and Mike Penders are also allowed to put their gloves. The latter was called for the first time after his switch to Strasbourg. He keeps Senne Lammens out of the selection after his transfer problems.
In the back, the puzzling remains for Garcia. Castagne, Debast, De Cuyper, Mechele, Meunier and Theate have since become permanent values. Despite his lack of minutes at AC Milan, the winter is also there again. Club Brugge stronghold Seys hopes for a first cap, while Faes will be put aside for the first time in a long time.
The name of Charles Vanhoutte stands out in midfield. The metronome of the national champion is already waiting for a selection, but now has it bite. De Bruyne, Raskin, Tielemans and Vanaken are also there again. Onana has absent due to an injury.
And how do you catch the Lukaku injury? With a lot of offensive violence, it turns out.
De Ketelaere, Doku, Fofana, Moreira, Openda, Saelemaekers, Trossard and also again Batshuayi … no shortage of choices in the front. Dodi Lukebakio is not there because he is not 100% fit, but players such as Fofana and Saelemaekers already impressed their team this season.
End of press conference
Rudi Garcia has answered all questions. The press conference is done.
The absence of Romelu Lukaku will not change much about our game. We will have a lot of ball against teams that are lurking on the counter. Our players in the front will have to find the right zones and we have to show that we can make goals without Romelu.
Rudi Garcia
The promises do not play now, so it was the chance to see Mike Penders at work. He is a Titularis at Strasbourg. I look forward to welcome him.
Rudi Garcia
The goal is to score more than to get goals. We will have a new central duo in the back. But it must be more solid than in the previous games.
Rudi Garcia about his defense
When I spoke with Romelu Lukaku, he saw it positively. He is fighting and all busy with his rehabilitation. He has come at an age when surgery might ensure a longer absence. We want him back as soon as possible, but there is a chance that we will no longer use it in the World Cup qualifications this year. We will try to qualify without him, but he will come and visit us.
Rudi Garcia
Wout Faes is not included. Garcia indicates that the defender is busy with a transfer. “The most important thing for the players is that they play in the strongest possible competition. That is one of the parts on which we base our selection.”
Van Genk has not been selected, but Garcia does indicate that the European qualification can help Steuckers and Smets in the future.
Joaquin Seys has proven in Europe that he can handle that level. He can play on the left and right and also has attacking qualities as a flank defender. He deserves to be with the selection and still has a lot of progression margin.
Rudi Garcia
Charles Vanhoutte has earned his place thanks to the national title with Union. He had earned that for some time. He will also play with Union in the Champions League. Due to the absence of Onana we needed such a profile.
Rudi Garcia
We believe in the young boys such as Fofana, Moreira and Seys. They are the future and are already in good shape. The form of the moment is important to be able to play Thursday and Sunday.
Rudi Garcia
You must also take the profiles and competition in certain places into account. That is why Michy Batshuayi is there again. Dodi Lukebakio and Amadou Onana are injured.
Rudi Garcia
With a selection in September you have to take different things into account, such as the preparation and the start of the competition. The Jupiler Pro League is already busy, the Serie A has only just begun.
Rudi Garcia
Just like Hans Vanaken, Charles Vanhoutte receives a letter of appeal. Diego Moreira is also there again.
Mike Penders is called up as a goalkeeper. Joaquin Seys and Brandon Mechele are also included.
Rudi Garcia is ready to announce his selection.
3rd selection of Garcia
National coach Rudi Garcia announces his selection at 3 pm on the headquarters of the Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB) in Tubeke for the World Cup qualification matches against Liechtenstein (Thursday 4 September in Vaduz) and Kazakhstan (Sunday 7 September in Anderlecht).
For Garcia, it is his third selection moment as national coach of the Red Devils, after the barrier matches in the Nations League against Ukraine and the opener in the World Cup qualifications against Northern Macedonia and Wales.
Drawing on our deep understanding of football tactics and player analysis,we’ve examined Rudi Garcia’s selection through a strategic lens,offering a nuanced outlook on his choices.
Breaking down the squad selection reveals several key insights:
Goalkeeping Competition: The inclusion of Mike Penders, a newcomer from Strasbourg, suggests a shift in evaluating talent. While Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed number one, the competition for the remaining spots appears to be heating up, with Garcia perhaps looking towards future prospects.
Defensive Adjustments: The absence of Wout Faes, due to potential transfer activity, forces Garcia to re-evaluate his defensive setup.This presents an chance for players like Seys and De Winter to solidify their positions and showcase their abilities to the coaching staff, in this critical moment.
midfield Dynamism: the return of Charles Vanhoutte to the midfield alongside established players like De bruyne,Tielemans,and Vanaken adds a layer of creativity and experience. This selection indicates Garcia’s intention to control the tempo of the game and provide ample support for the attack.
Attacking Options: The wealth of attacking talent available to Garcia,particularly in the absence of Lukaku,highlights the team’s depth.The inclusion of players like De Ketelaere, Doku, and Fofana represents a tactical shift towards a dynamic and versatile attack, able to adapt to diffrent game situations.
In the press conference,Garcia spoke of his plans without Lukaku and also indicated the importance of solidifying the defense and allowing new talents to flourish. With the tactical flexibility and player depth on display, this selection will be critical to the team’s success. We’ll keep providing in-depth coverage of the team’s progress to keep you informed.
