Defour praising Van Bommel after Belgium's strong start

The Red Devils recorded a fine 0-2 away victory on Friday evening against Italy. The performance under national team coach Mark van Bommel has sparked a lot among Belgian fans. Former international Steven Defour already draws a striking conclusion about the missed chances at the last World Cup after this Nations League match.

A new wind under Van Bommel

Steven Defour, 52‑cap international, is impressed by the new national coach. In an interview with Het Belang Van Limburg he states that the World Cup with Mark van Bommel at the helm could have turned out much better. “It may be early, but after a match under Van Bommel I already dare to conclude that we went to the World Cup with the wrong national coach,” says Defour.

The former player of, among others, Anderlecht, FC Porto, Burnley and Royal Antwerp sees a clear difference with the past. According to Defour, the game under the new management contains elements he never saw under Rudi Garcia. In Italy, Mika Godts proved that he has always deserved a place in the squad and could perhaps have been of great value for the Red Devils.

The Red Devils assert themselves in Italy, a brilliant start for van Bommel

Realism after the strong start

Despite the attractive first half, Defour warns against too much euphoria. The second half in Italy showed that there is still work to be done for Belgium’s national team. He is curious whether the team can build on the strong start on Monday against France and hold its ground under French pressure.

Bommel opens the Belgian era with a dazzling victory in Italy