Domenico Tedesco must start Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans after Belgium humiliation
Domenico Tedesco will think twice about leaving Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans out of his starting XI as Belgium fell to a surprise defeat at Euro 2024.
The midfielder was only used as a second-half substitute as Ivan Schranz’s seventh-minute goal was enough to seal a win for Slovakia on Monday 17 June.
However, in the 16 minutes he was given on the pitch, the Villa ace certainly did enough to persuade the Belgium manager that he needs to start the next match against Romania, who beat Ukraine 3-0 in their opening match.
Despite picking up a yellow card just two minutes after entering the field of play, Tielemans’ energy and drive was infectious, something he has been doing at Villa Park all season.
It is no wonder why the 26-year-old has become a trusted asset under Unai Emery, and he will be hoping that Tedesco sees the same in him for the rest of the tournament.
Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans impresses on international duty despite defeat
Having replaced Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard, who only managed 39 touches, as per FotMob, Tielemans could leave the Frankfurt Arena with his head held high.
The midfielder completed 88 per cent of his passes as Belgium searched for an equaliser, with five of his passes going into the final third and completed 80 per cent of his long balls. [FotMob]
He also won 100 per cent of his tackles – an aspect of Kevin De Bruyne’s game, his international teammate, that is sometimes overlooked. However, the Manchester City man is just one player.
De Standard [17 June] quoted Tedesco after the match, who said: “Kevin is important because he knows when to come, when to play and when to dribble. He’s great and you can’t stop him,” before writing: “However, more support was needed.
“A passer next to him could have made the build-up faster and more precise for the Belgians.”
Tielemans possesses the ability to be that player, having thrown himself into each tackle against the Slovakians, even making a necessary foul and picking up a booking.
Compared to midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref, he ranks in the top 99 percentile for assists and the top 86 percentile for progressive passes.
And although he only ranks in the top 67 percentile for tackles, Villa fans know just how much of a nuisance he can be in the middle of the park, which will come in handy if utilised by Belgium.
In other Aston Villa news, the club have opened talks to sign a Brazilian goalkeeper, with a £10million deal wanted.
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