Koen Casteels (32 years old, Al-Qadisiya) remains the undisputed number one under the Domenico Tedesco era. However, Matz Sels (32 years old, Nottingham Forest), brilliant this season in the Premier League, becomes a serious threat in the competition for the position.
Sels, in the Premier League, wants to become the number one goalkeeper for the Devils
With the most clean sheets in the Premier League after André Onana, Matz Sels clearly shows the ambition and qualities to claim the position of Belgium’s first goalkeeper. His solid performances push us to reconsider the hierarchy.
Would Tedesco consider changing the hierarchy?
Koen Casteels remains Tedesco’s first choice, with no immediate plans to change. “The role of goalkeeper is special, and it is important to maintain confidence in Koen,” the coach said at a press conference.
Sels is increasingly positioning itself as a serious competitor
Despite Tedesco’s confidence, Matz Sels continues to establish himself as a serious rival for Casteels, especially after the performance against France, where Casteels could have done better on Kolo Muani’s second goal. Sels’ performance raises the question of whether he deserves to become a starter.
Top goalkeeper in the Premier League
Sels, second in number of clean sheets in the Premier League, contributes greatly to the current success of Nottingham Forest, ranked fifth while they fought for maintenance the previous season. His statistics, among the five best in terms of points won for his team, confirm his talent at the highest level.
Sels, a growing threat for Casteels
Before Euro 2024, Tedesco had to choose a definitive number one. It was Casteels who was named, although Sels impressed in March in international matches. Some, including The Standardbelieve that Sels becomes a real threat to the place of Casteels.
Tedesco’s preference for Casteels
Tedesco would favor Casteels for details like his experience in the Bundesliga, his height, and his kicking game. Casteels, nine centimeters taller than Sels, has almost 300 matches in the Bundesliga.
Lobbying to install Salts in cages
Although Casteels is often seen as the most complete, Tedesco has not closed the door on Sels, even mentioning him as a potential replacement for Courtois in the Nations League draw. This remark raised questions about the coach’s preferences.
A feeling of injustice for Sels
The decision to appoint Casteels as number one was not unanimous. Philippe Albert expressed his sympathy for Sels, considering the situation difficult for him. Philippe Vande Walle and Silvio Proto share this opinion, believing that Sels should have been started for the Euro.
