Form with Sevilla, less with the Devils
To put it simply: its last three achievements have brought six points to a club which is very likely to have to jostle again at the bottom of the standings. “Last year I was hurt for a long time (Editor’s note: on the ankle – he almost missed three months of competition), recalls the one who passed through Charleroi and Anderlecht. I missed a lot of matches. Now I play everything. I try to be important to my team. If I am one of the best in my position in Spain (Editor’s note: this is what his coach García Pimienta said) ? It’s weird to say that about yourself. I’m just trying to do my best.”
In short, Lukebakio arrived in Tubize, before the confrontations against Italy on Thursday and against Israel on Sunday, in great shape. “We spoke with Tedescoconfided the Belgian. But I don’t know yet if I’m going to start or not. In any case, I am ready, and the coach knows it. I feel really good this season. Italy? It is a strong nation. We analyzed it. We will try to find a strategy to beat them. Why aren’t we getting there recently? I don’t know how to answer this question. We will have the advantage of being at home this time. Our goal (in the League of Nations) is very clear: we still want to pass.”
A lot has changed. I play another role.
On a personal level, he will definitely want to shake the nets again. With the Devils, that hasn’t happened to him since that evening in October 2023 when he scored a double against Austria. This performance was also in line with the previous ones: during Tedesco’s first months at the head of the selection, Lukebakio had emerged from the shadows to the point of becoming one of the greatest satisfactions of the national team last year . The year 2024 smiles on him, on the other hand, much less. “A lot has changedreveals the attacker. I play a different role now. But I am always ready, the coach knows it. It is also not possible to be at the top during every meeting. Without forgetting that we faced opponents of great caliber too. My intention is always to be good. I’m in a positive state of mind anyway.”
The returns of Sambi and Romelu
In addition, Lukebakio and the group find Romelu Lukaku, absent during the last gathering in October and who had left doubts as to whether he wanted to return to the Devils or not. “Everyone knows: Romelu is very importantexplains the one whose contract in Seville expires in 2028. He will bring us a lot, he is a real leader. Who would take on this role if he hadn’t been there? We have many who are capable of doing this. Amadou, for example, does it. It’s not a problem in any case, we managed that in October. But Lukaku remains someone who has already scored a lot of goals for the Devils. He has a lot of experience and knows Tubize by heart. It’s the captain… If I’m afraid of him (laughs) ? Why should I be afraid? I also yell sometimes when I don’t get the ball. Romelu is the big brother. We’re competitors and we all push each other on the field.”
His last goal for the Devils? October 13, 2023.
Another reason to smile for Lukebakio: the selection of Albert Sambi Lokonga. The midfielder, who also plays for Sevilla FC, took advantage of numerous injuries to join the group. His last with the Devils already dates from March 2022. “I only knew him by sight before and now I train with him, I assure you: he is a top playerdetailed Lukebakio. He called me to tell me the good news. I am very happy for him. Of course he was waiting for a selection, but first he had to concentrate on his injuries. He works hard. I advised him to be patient, to first think about playing one match after another.”
With the young Stanis Idumbo (19 years old), the two men represent Belgium in Andalusia. “Yes, we sometimes spend time together off the fieldadmits Lukebakio. We already see each other a lot at the training center. We laugh together, but there are other French speakers in the group too. We once had the opportunity to play three and we won that match too. We have good fun together.”
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