Mark van Bommel unveiled his first 28-man Belgium squad on Thursday evening. The new head coach immediately stamped his authority by integrating fresh talent and omitting established names, ahead of a key away trip to Italy on September 25.
Goalkeeper Jari De Busser (AZ Alkmaar) and right-back Kyriani Sabbe (Club Brugge) earn their first senior call-ups. In contrast, Thomas Meunier, 35, and Alexis Saelemaekers were not selected. Van Bommel personally called both players before the public announcement. "I called Thomas and Alexis before speaking to you, so they wouldn't find out like that," he stated. To the Anderlecht defender, he explained he was opting for other profiles for the time being, a decision Meunier accepted while asserting he would remain important for the national team.
The most notable absence is Axel Witsel, who has retired from international football, while Amadou Onana is injured. The return of Jérémy Doku after a month out is a boost, as is the inclusion of Romelu Lukaku. The manager had a clear message for the Fenerbahçe striker: "I'm not recalling you because you have a good influence on the group but because you have a lot of qualities." Van Bommel sees Lukaku, despite a tough start in Turkey, as his first-choice striker, though he may not start all four matches in eleven days.
The squad reflects a desire for rejuvenation. Mandela Keita, overlooked by previous coaches but a regular starter for Antwerp last season, is included. Players like Mika Godts, Loïs Openda, and Romeo Lavia-the latter seen as a future mainstay if he regains full fitness at Chelsea-are also called upon to move past a disappointing recent period. Youri Tielemans retains the captain's armband.
Van Bommel has strengthened ties with the U21 team led by Gill Swerts, leaving a talent like Genk's Lucca Brughmans fully integrated with the youth setup. The coach took time to call each of the 28 selected players individually between fifteen minutes and an hour and a half before the official announcement, a mark of direct respect and communication.
Tactically, the Dutch manager plans to use a 4-3-3 formation he wants to make more dynamic, with increased positional rotation and intensity. He hopes the Red Devils' playing style will be recognizable within a few weeks. This first selection comes as Belgium sits top of their World Cup qualifying group with five points from three games. The last result, a 2-1 defeat in Spain on July 10, is part of a recent run of three wins, one draw, and one loss (LWWWD).
The schedule is packed, with four Nations League matches in eleven days against Italy, France (twice), and Turkey. Competition resumes on a new footing, with the stated ambition of turning the page. Van Bommel learned of his son Ruben's call-up to the Netherlands squad in the middle of his press conference, a moment of personal pride amidst the building of his own project.
Read the full report at La Libre.be
