"Debast is impressive player with a lot of potential"

INTERVIEWS Zeno Debast (picture) is the only debutant in the Red Devils' selection that national coach Roberto Martinez announced. At his press conference, Martinez did not spare his praise. Furthermore, Martinez indicated that he is also following Julian Duranvile with an eye on the World Cup.


According to Martinez, Debast's selection cannot be a surprise. "His performance at U19 was very good and after that he made a lot of progress. In the spring he struggled with an injury which prevented him from finishing the season with Anderlecht. That meant he couldn't play with the national U21 team, but behind the scenes he worked with the Red Devils (Debast was allowed to train with them for a few days, ed.). There we were able to observe him well."

"But what is really impressive is how he started this season," Martinez said. "A player's progression is very much linked to the role they have at their club. Zeno is a very impressive young player with an important role at Anderlecht. At that point you stop looking at age, but look at the potential Zeno has. Given the circumstances, this is very good timing. He now gets a good chance to show what he can do."

World Cup not yet gone for Duranville and Verschaeren

National coach Martinez also mentioned that some of the guys who are not here right now can still hope to make the World Cup. For example, Yari Verschaeren will get the chance to show himself at the U21, Martinez said. Julian Duranville also does not have to give up on his World Cup dream.

"Julian is an exceptional talent who has now been called up for the U19. We will now wait and see how he does there," said the national coach