AC Milan winger Diego Moreira addressed his changing status with the Belgium national team and his club teammate Koni De Winter ahead of the UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Moreira has established himself in Serie A this season with four goals and three assists across seven matches, earning praise for his performance in the Milan derby against Inter. National team coach Mark van Bommel has shown trust in the 22-year-old versatile player, who spent earlier call-ups with fewer minutes under previous management.
“I think Van Bommel looks at me differently than Rudi Garcia,” Moreira told Het Laatste Nieuws.
Despite his recent club form, Moreira offered a blunt self-assessment of his recent outings for the Red Devils against Italy and France.
“But honestly? I did not play my best matches against Italy and France. That is my personal opinion. I have watched the footage. I needed to act sharper. Make better choices. Dose certain efforts more. And the automatisms with the other guys still need to grow,” Moreira said.
Moreira’s rising prominence contrasts with the situation of his Milan teammate Koni De Winter, who recently declined a national team call-up due to a lack of playing time under the current setup.
“I can understand those frustrations, because I know what it feels like not to get playing time. Every player reacts to that in a different way,” Moreira said.
The winger confirmed he has not spoken directly with De Winter regarding the decision to skip the squad selection.
“The less I know about it, the better. Koni has spoken with the coach and they said to each other what they needed to say. I don’t think his decision means: ‘Yes, I’m quitting the national team for good.’ No. He is proud to be a Belgian. In my opinion, Koni will work hard to play for the national team again one day. And of course we all want him to return,” Moreira said.
Van Bommel faces selection decisions ahead of Thursday evening’s fixture in Turkey, particularly regarding a congested flank department. Jérémy Doku has returned to full fitness after missing matches in September and October, while Leandro Trossard enters the camp following a three-assist performance for Beşiktaş last weekend alongside Mika Godts.
