Belgium Weigh Keita or Raskin Start as Lavia Workload Managed
Belgium are weighing up a midfield start for Mandela Keita or Nicolas Raskin against Turkey, with Romeo Lavia being handled cautiously because of his workload ahead of the match at Sclessin in Liege.
Head coach Mark van Bommel has completed his main match preparations for the home fixture as Belgium target three points and another step forward under his new leadership.
Keita backs Van Bommel’s approach
Parma midfielder Keita knows Van Bommel well after winning the Belgian title under the Dutchman at Royal Antwerp, and says the coach has carried the same principles into the national team.
Keita said Van Bommel gives players a clear tactical framework, stronger organisation and confidence within the group. He also pointed to the manager’s determination to build a close-knit dressing room rather than simply a collection of individuals.
“He has not changed from the coach I knew then,” Keita said. “He understands what a squad requires, brings stability and makes his ideas easy to understand. He wants the group to feel like a family.”
Senior core set the standards
- Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku have been given key leadership roles within the squad.
- Keita says the experienced trio are accessible to younger players and help them settle into Van Bommel’s demands.
- The midfielder believes Van Bommel is willing to alter tactics decisively when a match requires intervention.
- Language is not expected to be a problem, with Dutch widely understood in the group and English available when needed.
Keita highlighted De Bruyne and Tielemans as major on-pitch influences, while adding that Lukaku is also part of the senior support network for emerging players.
“The younger lads can go to Kevin, Youri or Romelu whenever they need help, and there is plenty to learn from them,” Keita said. “The coach is tactically strong, is not afraid to act during games, and can get his message across to everyone.”
What happens next
- Van Bommel must make his final midfield decision between Keita and Raskin if Lavia is not risked from the start.
- Belgium host Turkey at Sclessin after an intensive training period.
- The home side will look to show their developing tactical identity in front of their supporters while pursuing a win.
