Matthias Pieklak will start in goal for the Belgium U21 national team ahead of Lucca Brughmans during the upcoming international fixtures, head coach Gill Swerts announced.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper has impressed at Lommel SK in the Jupiler Pro League following previous standout seasons in the Challenger Pro League. That club form earned him another selection in the national youth setup under Swerts, who confirmed the youngster will log minutes in upcoming matches.
Pieklak did not feature during the previous international window as his teammates secured qualification for next year’s European Championship.
“I showed during the previous international break in training that I am ready to become first-choice goalkeeper,” Pieklak told Het Nieuwsblad.
With qualification now secured, the Lommel SK shot-stopper views the upcoming friendlies against Germany on Friday and Italy on Monday as direct auditions. He aims to lock down the starting role for the tournament proper.
“During these two friendly matches against Germany and Italy, I want to show once again that I want to be the first-choice goalkeeper at next year’s European Championship,” Pieklak said.
The battle for the gloves pits him directly against KRC Genk goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans. Both young talents are competing to establish themselves as the definitive number one for the U21 side heading into the continental tournament.
Looking further ahead, Pieklak has set his sights on the senior Belgium national team. Mike Penders recently made the step up to the Red Devils, creating a clear pathway that motivates the Lommel goalkeeper.
“That is why it is all the more interesting to be the first-choice goalkeeper at the European Championship,” Pieklak said. “Then the step to the Red Devils suddenly comes very close.”
He also pointed to AZ goalkeeper Jari De Busser’s selection as proof that player progression can happen rapidly within the national structures.
Competition for the senior Red Devils spot remains intense, with Maarten Vandevoordt and Senne Lammens currently in the mix. Pieklak remains unfazed by the depth ahead of him.
“If I can grow into the Premier League or Bundesliga like Maarten, then I think I will also be in the balance with those guys,” Pieklak said. “It only gives me more motivation to reach that level one day.”
The Belgium U21 squad faces Germany on Friday before meeting Italy on Monday.
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