If we have long been worried about the rejuvenation of the defense (even if a return of Axel Witsel would not be useless), it is rather the attack which has cost the Devils dearly in 2024. Looking more closely , only two real attackers (Openda and Trossard, each 1 goal) scored. Other achievements came from De Bruyne (3), Tielemans (2) and De Cuyper (1).
During this time, some players who were only waiting for a call from Tedesco nevertheless had a fiery year in 2024. When Dries Mertens gave the center of Michy Batshuayi’s victorious header this Saturday evening with Galatasaray (0-1 at Sipay Bodrum), we said to ourselves that these two would have done a lot of good for the team national. This is Batshuayi’s 22nd goal and Mertens’ 22nd assist in 2024.
“His words have little impact”, “He takes young people to avoid problems”: this is what the Red Devils really think of Domenico Tedesco
A trio 89 times decisive
In reality, the two Devils dismissed by Domenico Tedesco are even – with the other forgotten Christian Benteke (MLS top scorer) – the most successful Belgians abroad. Benteke (25 goals) and Batshuayi (22) are the two top scorers of the calendar year, ahead of Openda (19), Bakayoko (15) and Trossard (13), while Mertens is the best assist giver (22). ), ahead of Kevin De Bruyne (18). Mertens (involved in 34 goals: 22 assists and 12 goals) and Benteke (31) are also the most decisive, ahead of Openda (27), De Ketelaere and De Bruyne (25).
Certainly, these three “elders” of the golden generation no longer play in the major championships. Certainly, Mertens (37), Benteke (33) and Batshuayi (31) have aged and Domenico Tedesco has decided to turn the page for the benefit of youth. The fact remains that – at present, with a little hindsight and given the weaknesses in front of goal – he seems unconscious of having voluntarily deprived himself of such weapons, which would also have had an impact in the locker room to accompany the transition. One wonders if the coach was not afraid of their character…
“Time to keep the group together”: Dries Mertens looks back on the situation of the Red Devils and Romelu Lukaku
