Garcia unlikely to field De Bruyne and Vanaken together against Iran says podcast

The selection dilemma for Belgium’s midfield remains unresolved after the 1-1 draw with Egypt. Chef du football Niels Poissonnier has indicated that the likelihood of Kevin De Bruyne and Hans Vanaken starting together against Iran is minimal.

Marc Degryse and Toby Alderweireld proposed a new midfield trio of Aster Vranckx, Vanaken and De Bruyne in the Voetbalpodcast. “Raskin, Vanaken and De Bruyne worked very well in the Nations League match against Ukraine,” Degryse said. “You need a complementary trio like that.”

VTM journalist Jarno Bertho added that the minutes De Bruyne and Vanaken have played together under coach Domingos Garcia are “really very few.” The podcast aired on Monday morning.

Poissonnier stressed that Garcia insists on a pure defensive midfielder. “That is either Onana or Raskin, whom we must consider our discovery,” he said. A midfield featuring Raskin, De Bruyne and Vanaken remains theoretically possible.

“But that would mean taking Tielemans’ starting spot and also removing the captain’s armband,” Poissonnier continued. “I don’t see that happening.”

He also highlighted the inconsistent public perception of Youri Tielemans. “One moment he’s ready for the next step in his career, the next he’s back in the national team picture very quickly.”

The Voetbalpodcast aired on Monday morning following Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt in the United States.