Van Bommel urges Godts to keep making an impact despite competition

Mark van Bommel, head coach of Belgium, advises striker Mika Godts to utilise his greatest quality – keeping on making actions – after Godts scored a goal against Italy. Van Bommel praised his son Ruben for an assist in his debut for the Oranje and mentioned the 0‑2 victory over Italy. He was quoted on Sunday by the Algemeen Dagblad.

Family debut and Belgian victory

'As a father, seeing your son debut for the Oranje is already beautiful,' Van Bommel said during the press moment. He added: 'We were watching on the phone with a large part of the staff, and then he gave that assist. Amazing, although I would have liked to be in the stadium, of course.' The Red Lions achieved a convincing 0‑2 win over Italy.

Van Bommel also praised Xavi, who now uses Ruben for the Lions. 'Xavi is a fantastic guy. I played with him at Barcelona and he was the coach when I faced Barça with Antwerp in the Champions League. The fact that he now lets Ruben debut makes it twice as beautiful,' Van Bommel said.

Van Bommel comes close to a historic feat with a win in Italy

Preview of France and Godts' role

Next Monday, Belgium will meet France, with Zinédine Zidane as guest coach in Brussels. 'It's special to coach against Zidane. He was an exceptional player. I played against him once, with Barça against Real Madrid,' Van Bommel explained. He lamented the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who will not take part due to a knee injury. Regarding Godts, Van Bommel said: 'I told Mika that he must keep making actions. Miss six? Then you try a seventh time, because that is his great quality.'

Godts does not shy away from competition with Jérémy Doku and Malick Fofana. 'That's why I also made the move to PSG. Competition is normal in top-level football,' the winger said.

Xavi leaves door wide open for Depay, Driessen sees chance with the Oranje