INTERVIEWS Nathan De Cat is at the start of what promises to be a promising career. The Anderlecht talent has already been nominated for the Golden Shoe Gala, has received his first FIFA card and is being compared by analysts to great midfielders from the past. He himself remains remarkably down-to-earth. “I know above all that I still need a lot of matches.”
De Cat continues to work undisturbed during his winter internship in Jerez, Spain. On the field he looks mature, off the field he is still clearly searching. “It’s strange sometimes how quickly everything goes,” he admits. “I try not to think about it too much.”
From winger to midfielder
As a young boy, De Cat still saw himself as a winger. His great idol was Lionel Messi. “I really thought I would end up on the wing because I was fast for my age at the time.” Over the years his position shifted. “Other guys have gotten physically faster. My game has changed.”
Comparisons with Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard, made by Hein Vanhaezebrouck, leave him cold. “I take that as a compliment, but I have never seen them play. I mainly want to be my own player.”
Training with a focus on technology
De Cat started at Elewijt and KV Mechelen, but he took a crucial step in his development at football school Act2Prevent. “The emphasis was on training, not on competitions. A lot of technique, juggling, sometimes even barefoot.”
That approach paid off. Several teammates made it to professional clubs. “But at some point you have to take the step to a real club.”
FIFA, numbers and self-criticism
De Cat views his first FIFA card (overall 63) with healthy self-reflection. “That’s right. My shot rating is low and that’s right. I have to get into the box more often and be more efficient.”
He enjoys putting together a dream team, although there is no room for himself for the time being. “Hopefully next year.”
Future plans and World Cup dream
He will turn 18 on July 19. The World Cup final will also be played that day. Does he dream of that? “That would be nice, but I am realistic. There is a lot of competition. I have to become more consistent first.”
He has not ruled out a foreign transfer, but he is not rushing. “You only know afterwards whether it was the right step. Now I’m focusing on Anderlecht. We’ll see what happens next.”
Bron: HLN
