Deprived of several executives, Domenico Tedesco will have the opportunity to carry out some tests this Thursday in Italy. Maxim De Cuyper could notably start on the left, while Charles De Ketelaere could finally receive a real chance with the selection.
It was not easy to put together this probable composition, because several uncertainties reign around the Red Devils, who will challenge Italy at the Olympic stadium in Rome this Thursday evening.
The one thing we can be sure of is that Koen Casteels will take his place in goal. But, while Domenico Tedesco, at a press conference, did not completely rule out the idea of a 3-man defense, several questions arise regarding the outfield players.
Arthur Theate finally in his role as replacement for Jan Vertonghen?
Defensively, the coach has the opportunity to achieve what many would have wanted to see at the Euro: put Maxim De Cuyper on the left, with Arthur Theate in central defense. With this in mind, Zeno Debast would take his place on the right of central defense and would finally be on his right foot. For the full-back position, Timothy Castagne is obviously the favorite, but the Fulham player has hardly played in the Premier League, while Koni De Winter recently played in this position, in Serie A. A surprise is possible.
In midfield, with the absence of Amadou Onana, the cards are down. Regular starter, Orel Mangala should be given a more important role. Then, Youri Tielemans could play alongside him, with Charles De Ketelaere, the natural replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, in front of him.
Domenico Tedesco has the choice, and must not miss out
The other possibility would be to see Vranckx associated with Mangala, with Youri Tielemans in a number 10 role, the one who had succeeded terribly well at Wembley. However, it is the first option that we choose, because the time for “CDK” with the Devils finally seems to have come. Despite his good start to the season, seeing Arne Engels in the eleven would be a surprise.
In the offensive compartment, there are fewer questions. Jérémy Doku should play on the left, Loïs Openda will be the starter up front and Leandro Trossard, absent during the last rally, would then take the place on the right. Be careful though with Johan Bakayoko, who has not had a superb start to the season with PSV.
The probable composition of Belgium: Casteels – De Cuyper, Theate, Debast, Castagne – Mangala, Tielemans, De Ketelaere – Doku, Trossard, Openda.
