Boss backs Tielemans as pundits debate his place in Belgium side
MIDFIELD STAR ALWAYS TAKES RESPONSIBILITY, SAYS MARTINEZ
YOURI Tielemans has been defended by Belgium boss Roberto Martinez amid a debate over his place in the national team’s starting 11.
The Leicester City midfielder started both matches for his country over the international break as they first lost their Nations League semifinal against France, and then suffered defeat in the third-place playoff with Italy.
Tielemans conceded a penalty against France, prompting talk in Belgium over his form and whether he should still be in the starting line-up for the number one ranked nation, especially after an underwhelming European Championships campaign in the summer.
The 24-yearold kept his place against Italy, but was substituted before the hour.
Speaking after that 2-1 defeat to the European champions, Martinez defended Tielemans, saying that he never shies away from the responsibility or the action, even when he is not performing at his peak.
“I found Tielemans’ reaction even more satisfying,” Martinez said. “Again, we have to be careful about picking and criticising players.
“Tielemans’ fault may well be that he always takes responsibility. He has shown personality.”
The debate over Tielemans’ role in the team has seen some Belgian pundits accuse Martinez of preferring him because he’s a bigger name, rather than because of his form, with Club Brugge’s Hans Vanaken the player touted as a possible replacement in central midfield.
However, there is also the feeling that Tielemans should keep his place as the likely leader of the next generation of Belgium’s national team, the City man younger than many of the other stars in the side, like Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, who are now into their late 20s and early 30s.
Anderlecht defender and oncecapped Belgian international Hannes Delcroix backed Tielemans, telling Het Laatste Nieuws: “It’s a difficult choice, because Tielemans has stood his ground in recent matches.
“Maybe he’s in a bit of a slump right now, but it’s hard not to let him play, based on his form. When you’re with the national team, you might feel different from your club.”
Some Belgium pundits accuse Martinez of preferring him because he’s a bigger name than his rivals for a place