YOUTH - OTHER The head coach of the Red Devils is taking an open-minded approach to both experience and youth. In the build-up to the next internationals, he spoke in more detail about the role Jan Vertonghen could play within the national team in the future, as well as the chances of young players such as Nathan De Cat when it comes to a potential World Cup selection.
Jan Vertonghen is currently doing an internship at the Belgian FA (KBVB) as part of a training pathway for former internationals who want to prepare for a role off the pitch. His presence is no coincidence. “We've had conversations about that,” the head coach confirms. “Jan has enormous World Cup experience. At the previous World Cup, certain things went wrong, and I want to understand how we can avoid that in the future. His insights and advice can be extremely valuable in that regard.”
Whether Vertonghen will actually join the technical staff remains an open question for now, but his input is clearly appreciated. The head coach sees him as someone who can offer a different perspective based on his playing career, especially in moments where experience can make the difference.
When it comes to selection policy, the head coach is also keeping all options open. That includes Nathan De Cat, who is increasingly being mentioned as a potential World Cup candidate. “Every player is allowed to dream of a place at the World Cup,” he says. “Being called up is one thing; securing your place is something else entirely. We follow everyone closely, although players who have already been selected in the qualifiers obviously have an advantage.”
Age is not a decisive factor in that process. “For me, it's not a criterion,” he emphasizes. “The same applies to players like Mokio, Vermant and Ngoy. We know them, we know what they can do and what potential they have. The door is open to everyone.”
With this approach, the head coach underlines his vision: experience and renewal do not have to exclude one another, as long as quality and development remain central.
Source: © Internal source
