TUBIZE, Belgium – Nathan De Cat, the 17-year-old midfielder from RSC Anderlecht, has become the first player to report for duty ahead of Belgium’s upcoming friendly matches against Mexico and the United States. De Cat’s early arrival signals the start of preparations for the Rode Duivels, but his inclusion in the squad has already sparked debate among pundits and fans alike. The matches, scheduled for later this month, offer a crucial opportunity for coach Rudi Garcia to assess his squad ahead of future competitions.
The young player’s prompt arrival at the national team’s training base in Tubize underscores his eagerness to make an impression. De Cat, who was recently named Beloft van het Jaar (Prospect of the Year) at the Golden Shoe awards, has been a regular standout for Anderlecht. His call-up represents a significant step in his burgeoning career and a chance to test himself against international competition.
However, De Cat’s selection isn’t without its critics. Some question whether it’s too soon for the teenager to be involved with the national team, particularly given the presence of more experienced options. Former Belgian international Franky Van der Elst expressed reservations, suggesting that the timing might be premature. “The Rode Duivels come too early,” Vanhaezebrouck said, as reported by VoetbalPrimeur.be.
The broader squad selection also includes fellow newcomers Mika Godts (Ajax) and Lucas Stassin (Saint-Étienne), signaling a clear intent from coach Garcia to integrate emerging talent. The inclusion of these young players alongside established stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku highlights a blend of experience and potential within the current Belgium setup. De Bruyne, in particular, is reportedly in excellent form, according to Steven Defour, and is expected to play a key role in the upcoming matches. Lukaku, whereas available, is still working to regain full match fitness.
The decision to include Lois Openda, currently playing for Juventus, has also drawn scrutiny. Openda has faced criticism for a recent dip in form, leading to questions about whether he should be included in the squad at all. “We must select him. Mentally it might be good for him, but if he doesn’t keep playing, it becomes more difficult,” Defour commented, as reported by Voetbalbelgie.be. The debate centers on whether a call-up will provide a mental boost for the player, or if his lack of consistent playing time will hinder his contribution.
The squad is also bolstered by the return of Zeno Debast (Sporting), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), and Romelu Lukaku (Napoli) following recovery from injuries. However, Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Charles Vanhoutte (OGC Nice), Roméo Vermant (Club Brugge), and Diego Moreira (Strasbourg) are unavailable due to injury or other reasons. Mike Penders (Strasbourg) has been called up to the youth team to fill the goalkeeping ranks.
Despite the absences, coach Garcia has a strong core of players to choose from, including captain Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa) and Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), both of whom are currently recovering from injuries but have been included in the squad. The selection process reflects the challenges Garcia faces in balancing experience with the demand to develop the next generation of Belgian talent.
The friendly matches against Mexico (April 1st) and the United States (March 28th) will serve as vital preparation for future international commitments. These games provide a platform for Garcia to experiment with different formations and assess the compatibility of various players. The inclusion of De Cat, Godts, and Stassin suggests a willingness to embrace youth and build a team capable of competing at the highest level.
The focus will be on integrating the novel players into the team dynamic and establishing a cohesive playing style. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring the performance of each player, particularly the newcomers, to determine their potential contribution to the national team. The matches will also offer an opportunity to refine tactical approaches and address any weaknesses identified in previous performances.
For De Cat, the opportunity to train and potentially play alongside established stars represents a dream come true. His early arrival at the camp demonstrates his commitment and determination to make the most of this chance. Whether he will feature in the starting lineup remains to be seen, but his inclusion in the squad is a testament to his talent and potential.
The upcoming international break promises to be an exciting period for Belgian football fans. The blend of experienced players and emerging talents creates a sense of optimism and anticipation for the future. The friendly matches against Mexico and the United States will provide a valuable insight into the direction of the national team under coach Garcia.
The 28-man squad selected by Garcia is as follows: Senne Lammens, Maarten Vandevoort, Matz Sels, Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Maxim De Cuyper, Koni De Winter, Brandon Mechele, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Arthur Theate, Joaquin Seys, Kevin De Bruyne, Hans Vanaken, Amadou Onana, Nicolas Raskin, Nathan De Cat, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel, Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Mika Godts, Romelu Lukaku, Lois Openda, Alexis Saelemaekers, Lucas Stassin, and Dodi Lukebakio.
Belgium will travel to the United States to face the hosts on March 28th, followed by a match against Mexico on April 1st. Fans can follow the matches and receive updates through official team channels and major sports news outlets. The games will be crucial in gauging the team’s progress and identifying areas for improvement as they prepare for future challenges.
What do you think of Garcia’s squad selection? Will Nathan De Cat make an impact? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
