Cyril Ngonge makes his debut in Belgium's final squad. The former player of PSV, RKC Waalwijk, and FC Groningen has been called up for the Nations League matches against Italy and France. Kevin De Bruyne has not only withdrawn from the upcoming international period but also from the following one.
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Since his departure from FC Groningen in January 2023, Cyril Ngonge's career has been nothing short of remarkable, characterized by rapid growth and impressive achievements.
Once a relatively unknown talent outside the Dutch Eredivisie, the 24-year-old Belgian winger has captured the attention of European football with his consistent performances. His time at FC Groningen laid a solid foundation, but it was his move to Hellas Verona in Italy’s Serie A that truly catapulted him into the spotlight.
At Hellas Verona, Ngonge quickly established himself as a key player. Despite joining a team that often struggled in the league, he stood out with his speed, technical ability, and knack for scoring important goals. His versatility as a forward, capable of playing across the front line, made him a valuable asset for Verona. The Belgian winger became a fan favorite due to his tenacity and work ethic, and his performances did not go unnoticed by bigger clubs.
It was during his stint at Hellas Verona that Ngonge began attracting interest from several top European clubs. Napoli, one of Italy's biggest teams and recent Serie A champions, was particularly impressed by his performances. The Italian giants were in need of fresh attacking talent, and Ngonge fit the bill perfectly. His explosive pace, coupled with a keen eye for goal, convinced Napoli to make a bold move for the young forward. The transfer, worth eighteen million euros, was finalized in the summer of 2023, marking a significant moment in Ngonge’s career.
Joining Napoli was not only a dream come true for Ngonge but also a massive step up in his professional journey. The move placed him in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, playing alongside some of the best players in the world. At Napoli, he found himself in a squad brimming with talent, including the likes of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, two of the most feared attackers in Serie A. For Ngonge, this was the ideal environment to learn, grow, and further refine his skills.
Napoli’s decision to invest in Ngonge was seen as a statement of intent. The club had high hopes for the Belgian, seeing him as a player with the potential to contribute significantly to their domestic and European campaigns. The transfer fee also reflected the growing market value of young, versatile forwards like Ngonge, who bring a combination of technical skill, physicality, and tactical intelligence.
However, Ngonge's journey took another important turn when he received his first-ever call-up to the Belgian national team. Head coach Domenico Tedesco, who has been tasked with overseeing a generational shift within the Belgian squad, saw Ngonge as part of his future plans. The Red Devils, historically dominated by household names like Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku, are now in a period of transition. The golden generation of Belgian football is aging, and fresh talent is needed to ensure the team remains competitive on the international stage.
Ngonge’s inclusion in Tedesco’s final squad for the upcoming Nations League matches marks a major milestone in his career. Making his debut for Belgium would be a dream come true for the young forward, who grew up idolizing the stars of the Belgian national team. Now, he has the opportunity to represent his country at the highest level, something every aspiring footballer dreams of.
Interestingly, Ngonge is not the only new face in Tedesco’s squad. The Belgian coach has also called up several other young players, signaling his intent to rebuild the team with fresh blood. Malick Fofana, a talented winger from Olympique Lyon, Matte Smets, a dynamic midfielder from RC Genk, and Maarten Vandevoordt, a highly-rated goalkeeper from RB Leipzig, have all been included for the first time. These players, like Ngonge, represent the future of Belgian football and are eager to seize the opportunity to make an impression on the international stage.
While the inclusion of young talents like Ngonge, Fofana, Smets, and Vandevoordt brings excitement, there are notable absences from the squad. Two of Belgium’s biggest stars, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, will not be available for the upcoming Nations League matches. Lukaku, who recently joined Napoli, is still working on his fitness and has opted to remain in Naples to focus on his recovery. Similarly, De Bruyne, one of the most influential players in Belgian football history, is recovering from an injury and has requested to skip not only the current international break but also the next one in November.
Tedesco addressed De Bruyne’s situation, reassuring fans that the midfielder will be ready when it counts: "He has an injury and has also requested to skip the next international break in November. But when it really matters, at the World Cup, he will be there." De Bruyne’s absence is undoubtedly a blow for Belgium, but the emergence of young talents like Ngonge gives the team hope for the future.
Romelu Lukaku’s absence is also significant. The powerful striker has been a mainstay in the Belgian national team for over a decade, and his goalscoring prowess has been crucial in many of the team’s successes. However, Lukaku has struggled with injuries in recent years, and his decision to prioritize his fitness is seen as a long-term strategy to ensure he is in peak condition for future tournaments, including the World Cup.
In the absence of these key players, other members of the squad will have the chance to step up. Leandro Trossard, who has been in excellent form for Arsenal, returns to the national team after being left out of the previous squad. Trossard's versatility and creativity will be vital in Belgium's attacking play, particularly with Lukaku and De Bruyne unavailable. Johan Bakayoko, the promising PSV winger, is also included in the squad and will be looking to make his mark.
Belgium faces two tough opponents in their upcoming Nations League matches. On October 10, they will take on Italy, one of the strongest teams in Europe, known for their tactical discipline and defensive solidity. Four days later, on October 14, Belgium will face France, the reigning World Cup champions and one of the most formidable teams in international football. These matches will be a stern test for Tedesco’s young squad, but they also present a golden opportunity for players like Ngonge to showcase their abilities on the big stage.
Currently, Belgium sits third in their Nations League group with three points. The team will need strong performances in these upcoming matches if they are to climb the standings and remain in contention for a spot in the Nations League finals. For Ngonge and his fellow debutants, these matches represent more than just an opportunity to earn their first caps; they are a chance to prove that they belong at the highest level of international football.
Updated: 11:40, 4 Oct 2024
