With crucial World Cup qualifiers looming in early October against Northern Macedonia and Wales, national coach Rudi Garcia is expected to finalize his next squad for the Red devils soon. Though, the team faces a critically important challenge: finding a reliable replacement for the injured all-time top scorer, Romelu Lukaku.
The search for a potent striker has been a persistent question mark for Garcia. While Loïs Openda had an chance against Liechtenstein, he failed to impress. Charles de Ketelaere showed promise against Kazakhstan, but his natural position isn’t that of a central striker. Michy Batshuayi, though called up for the previous fixtures, remained an unused substitute and is currently a backup at Eintracht Frankfurt, highlighting the lack of a clear, in-form option.
The Striker Position: An Open Competition for the Red Devils
Coach Garcia has acknowledged keeping tabs on emerging talents like Romeo Vermant and Lucas Stassin. However,Vermant has only recently returned from a month-long absence,and Stassin is currently plying his trade in the French second division,making their immediate impact on the national stage uncertain.
This situation could open the door for a surprise inclusion. Cyril Ngonge, a 25-year-old forward, has reportedly thrown his hat back into the ring for a call-up to the Red Devils. Ngonge earned his sole cap in October 2024 under former coach Domenico Tedesco in a Nations League match against Italy but hasn’t been selected since.
Ngonge’s Ambition for a Second Chance
“That was because I wasn’t playing enough,” Ngonge admitted. “I understood because other players where getting more game time at their clubs. But now, I’m at a club where I expect to play every week. If my performances are consistent, the national team will definitely be a target again. However, I haven’t been in contact with Coach Garcia or anyone from his staff.”
ngonge experienced a reduced role last season at Napoli, often coming off the bench. This summer, he made a strategic move, joining Torino on loan with an option to buy, aiming to reignite his career. He has as started in four of Torino’s five official matches, contributing an assist, though he is yet to score. This renewed commitment to regular playing time could make him a compelling option for Garcia as he navigates the absence of his primary striker, much like how a team in the NFL might look for a reliable backup quarterback when their starter is sidelined.
