Gert Verheyen chooses his European Championship starting team of Red Devils: “I would have chosen Mangala for Tielemans’ goals”

The final straight line towards the European Championship has begun. During the international break, the Red Devils’ line-up was still tinkered with. But what will be the starting line-up next summer? Ex-Red Devil Gert Verheyen lets his light shine.

Gert Verheyen almost completely rules out that Thibaut Courtois will be present at the European Championship. “I assume that his “no” is final. He is also injured, so I don’t see that happening.”

But who? “It is a difficult choice between Sels and Casteels. My preference is Matz Sels, because I have seen him play more often. In terms of quality, Koen Casteels has an edge over me,” says Verheyen.

Yet the 50-time international chooses Sels in goal. “He has been in goal for more matches than Casteels. Sels also took his chance in recent games.”

Arthur Theate, Jan Vertonghen, Wout Faes and Timothy Castagne form the defense in Gert Verheyen’s starting eleven. For him there is one certainty. “They are all interchangeable, except Jan Vertonghen. His position is fixed.”

Verheyen places Wout Faes next to Anderlecht’s central defender. “Just like with Sels and Casteels, I have doubts. Zeno Debast fits that spot just as well, but personally I choose Faes.”

Arthur Theate can take a seat at left back for Verheyen. “There is little competition in that position. Olivier Deman is no competitor in a four-man defense.”

Castagne is younger and more dynamic than Meunier.

Gert Verheyen

Verheyen still worked with Faes and Theate at KV Oostende. Does that play a role? “It’s not an important reason, but for me they have an advantage. I know them very well.”

And then there is the right rear. “Timothy Castagne is younger and more dynamic than Thomas Meunier. You can also rotate in this position. The difference is not big in a few positions. My judgment may be different tomorrow,” says Verheyen.

There are few doubts for Gert Verheyen in midfield. Kevin De Bruyne, who was not present during this international break due to a minor injury, will be included in the starting line-up for the European Championship. Amadou Onana is also in Verheyen’s starting eleven.

The third midfielder has not yet been determined for Verheyen. “If Youri Tielemans reaches his level, he deserves that place. Otherwise you can also choose Orel Mangala.”

“He has also done great in the past matches. For the match against England I would have put Orel Mangala there. Now it would be illogical not to choose Tielemans,” says Verheyen.

Up front we see Jeremy Doku, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard in Gert Verheyen’s ideal starting eleven. Lukebakio and Bakayoko have to settle for a place on the bench.

“I think Dodi Lukebakio is inconsistent at the moment, just like Johan Bakayoko. Trossard is better and more steadfast at the moment. You know more what you will get,” says Verheyen.

The shape of the moment will determine some choices.

Gert Verheyen

The question then is where exactly Trossard and Doku should play. “Trossard prefers to play on the left flank, but so does Doku. One will have to sacrifice himself, or you can change during the match. One of the two will have to play on the right.”

Finally, Verheyen also looks at the strength of the team. “The central axis is indispensable. Vertonghen, De Bruyne and Lukaku are the mainstays. The rest will depend on the shape of the moment. Many players are interchangeable.”