KRC Genk captain Bryan Heynen has admitted that a return to the Belgium national team remains firmly in his thoughts following his standout performance in the Belgian Pro League this weekend, where he scored a superb goal and delivered an assist against KV Kortrijk.
Bryan Heynen Pursues Second Belgium Cap Amid Fierce Midfield Competition
Heynen’s recent domestic form has thrust him back into the conversation for the Red Devils, though breaking into the national setup presents a significant challenge given the intense competition in central midfield. The 28-year-old midfielder has earned just one senior cap for his country to date, making his international debut in March 2025 against Ukraine at the Cegeka Arena in Genk. Reflecting on that lone appearance after guiding his club to victory, Heynen made it clear that the ambition to wear the national colours again has not faded.
“As long as that possibility exists, I would like to go back,” Heynen said. “I was able to taste it once and it was a unique experience. But those are other people’s choices. I can’t do much more than give my best here at Genk, and then we’ll see.”
Tactical Adjustments and Squad Analysis During the International Break
The path back to the national team runs directly through consistent club performances, a task that required extra dedication during the recent international window. Because a large contingent of Genk’s core squad departed for international duty, head coach Jess Thorup faced restricted tactical preparation ahead of the weekend fixture. However, the players who remained in Limburg used the downtime to address individual weaknesses and dissect the opening weeks of the campaign.
“We analyzed the past few weeks,” Heynen explained. “This allowed us to identify the areas in which we still need to improve.”
Discussions within the squad also centered heavily on developing a ruthless winning mentality. Thorup had publicly demanded a stronger killer instinct from his players following previous outings, a sentiment fully endorsed by his captain. While Heynen believes the entire group consistently shows a desire to win, the primary objective is maintaining that intensity across the entire 90 minutes of regulation time.
Securing Victory Over Kortrijk and Maintaining Defensive Discipline
That psychological growth was evident during the clash against Kortrijk, where Genk controlled proceedings, secured a clean sheet, and converted their dominance into a decisive victory. Heynen’s individual brilliance—highlighted by his well-taken goal and creative assist—proved pivotal in breaking down the opponent’s defensive block.
“I think everyone shows the desire to win, but that is something we must be able to maintain for 90 minutes,” Heynen stated. “Against Kortrijk, it showed that we are capable of it, now we just have to keep it up.”
With domestic fixtures coming thick and fast, the challenge for Thorup’s side is avoiding complacency and turning a singular dominant display into sustained momentum. For Heynen, balancing club leadership duties with his personal international aspirations remains the ultimate driver as the Pro League season progresses.
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