Debast: "Became a defender only at 14, 15 years old"

INTERVIEWS After struggling with an injury last season, Zeno Debast is currently doing well. Especially his footballing way of defending has received a lot of praise, just like his execution. And that is no coincidence. "Until two years ago I had never tackled," he tells today in Het Nieuwsblad.


Zeno Debast has been playing for Anderlecht since he was six years old, but for a long time he did so as an attacking midfielder. "Only when I was 14 or 15 they put me in defense," the 18-year-old youngster from Halle says. According to him, Anderlecht wanted good footballing defenders and his big stature also played a role. "In the beginning, that position change frustrated me, as did the fact that I had to give up my jersey number 10."

At a fast pace, Debast developed into a robust, style-rich defender. "Initially, I resolved a lot on my positional play and footballing qualities," he says. Under Craig Bellamy at the U21, he also learned to play physically. "He stimulated me," Debast says. "Because when you switch from youth to men's soccer, you have to become more aggressive."

Last season, Debast came into the starting eleven after New Year. He immediately played at a high level, but dropped out after barely five games. "A nasty foot injury. Due to overloading and a wrong move, I missed the rest of the season."

But now he's all over the place. If Debast continues to perform at this level, he could soon become a Red Devil. Because the swill in defense has become thin there. "Of course, the World Cup in Qatar is a dream. But I remain realistic: the European Championship 2023 with the U23s is my biggest goal. Just like Anderlecht qualifying against Young Boys tonight."