Young Devils prepare for clash against Scotland and Spain without Jorne Spileers: “The A-team is good for his development”

After a flawless start with nine out of nine in the qualifying campaign for the 2025 European Championship, the Belgian promises of national coach Gill Swerts face a tough and challenging diptych against Scotland (November 17) in Roeselare and Spain (November 21) in Leuven.

“On paper, these are our two strongest opponents,” Swerts said on Tuesday during a press moment in Tubize. “And I think the match against Scotland is even the most difficult. They play with a low block and aim for a quick counter-attack. You know from Spain that they play in a 4-3-3 with their enormous individual qualities. We started with the maximum number of points and that is fantastic. But I am sure that collectively and individually we can do even better. It is up to us to work on the details.”

Beloftebond coach Gill Swerts. — © Jeroen Hanselaer

Of the four goals scored by the Young Devils so far in this qualifying campaign, three came from the foot of Kazeem Olaigbe, each time as a substitute. “I spoke to him before the match against Hungary to explain that he was not a titular player because he did not have enough playing minutes at Cercle. Since then, however, he has been able to play more at his club. So it is quite possible that he will appear at the kick-off this time,” said Swerts.

With Jorne Spileers, Swerts saw a central defender leave for the Red Devils. “His return to us will depend on the Devils’ match,” Swerts says. “We know we will have him available for at least one match. But at the moment he is with the A-team and that is good for him and his development.”

Joker Kazeem Olaigbe: “I always try to be decisive”

“It’s nice to be important to the team,” Kazeem Olaigbe said himself on Tuesday during a press moment in Tubize. “When I come on the field, I always try to be decisive. Whether that be with a goal or an assist. Of course I hope for a starting place, but I will always give the maximum, even if that is as a substitute.”

Kazeem Olaigbe. — © BELGIUM

The match against Scotland in particular will be special for Olaigbe, who played for the Scottish Ross County for six months last season, on loan from Southampton. “The Scottish competition is the highest level I have played at. Celtic and Rangers really stood out. The national team is a physically strong team that plays with a lot of speed and the long ball. We can expect that.”

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