Matte Smets is an exceptional defender, and it is common knowledge that Hein Vanhaezebrouck is a great admirer of his talent. Last January, Vanhaezebrouck tried to bring him to La Gantoise, without success. Recently, the current analyst praised Smets with particularly marked enthusiasm, perhaps even a little too much.
Smets, best defender in the Jupiler Pro League?
This season, Smets has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Jupiler Pro League. So far, at least. This weekend, he had his first really lackluster match against Union SG, but that can happen. His good form also earned him a call-up to the Red Devils.
Louanges de Vanhaezebrouck
In an interview for CNBVanhaezebrouck had very complimentary words: “He simply has everything. Smets is incredibly calm and focused from start to finish. He is very comfortable with the ball, solid in defense, excellent in aerial duels. He can play short, break lines, throw diagonals and go up like Vincent Kompany, Walter Meeuws or even Franz Beckenbauer. » Such comparisons can, however, create undue pressure for a young player. This assessment sets the bar very high and does not necessarily do Smets any favors. Fortunately, the young Racing Genk defender takes this praise with equanimity.
Smets and praise to Kompany
At a press conference, Smets expressed his humility in the face of these comparisons: “It’s a huge compliment. I try to get the best out of myself. Belgium has a lot of good central defenders. Do I want to be part of it? Yes, I will give everything for this. As for the comparison with Kompany, he is a player I watched on TV when I was a child. Again, that’s a big compliment. »
A first step with the Red Devils?
The former Sint-Truiden player especially hopes to take advantage of this international period to make his debut with the Red Devils.
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