‘There are few things more beautiful’ – Youri Tielemans handed ultimate honour away from Aston Villa
Aston Villa have endured a dreadful start to the new Premier League campaign.
Villa’s season effectively begins on 13 September when they travel to face Everton, as Unai Emery’s men only managed to pick up one point from their opening three matches.
Youri Tielemans has played every single minute of the new Premier League season so far, but even a player of his quality has been unable to find that killer pass to ensure the Villans score their first goal, as the supporters showed their discontent by leaving Villa Park early during the game against Crystal Palace.
However, the midfielder finally has something to celebrate this season away from his club side.
Youri Tielemans named new Belgium captain
Villa’s lack of signings throughout the window frustrated Micah Richards as well as many supporters.
But with the arrival of Harvey Elliott on deadline day, Tielemans may be able to thrive in his typical role deeper in midfield as opposed to the number ten role that he was deployed in during the opening two fixtures of the season.
The 28-year-old’s position for his club will be the last thing on his mind currently, however, as Tielemans was named as the permanent captain for Belgium at a press conference on 3 September.
The former Leicester City player has won 77 international caps so far in his career and was voted the new captain by the staff and players.
- Following Eden Hazard’s international football retirement in 2022, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku shared the captaincy, but now that honour has been bestowed upon Tielemans full-time.
- Coach Rudi Garcia described him as “the link between the ‘golden generation’ and the younger players.”
- The decision means Tielemans will captain his country in next year’s World Cup should they qualify
Tielemans reacted to the news by claiming that being given the captaincy was an “honour” before claiming “there are few things more beautiful than that in a career”.
When can Aston Villa fans see Youri Tielemans in action as Belgium captain?
During September’s international break, Belgium play two World Cup qualifying fixtures against Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan.
The first game against Liechtenstein takes place on 4 September at 7:45pm, before they clash with Kazakhstan on 7 September, also at 7:45pm.
Villa supporters will hope the midfielder brings the spring in his step that he will have gained from this announcement back to Villa Park with him when he returns to play his club football.
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