Charles De Ketelaere: Rising Star Ready to Shine for Belgium

Charles De Ketelaere: Ready to Lead Belgium’s Attack

With Romelu Lukaku sidelined, the Belgian national team is looking to Charles De Ketelaere to step up and deliver goals in their upcoming friendlies against the USA and Mexico. The Atalanta forward is eager to embrace the challenge and prove his worth on the international stage.

A Defined Role Under Rudi Garcia

In a recent interview with HLN, De Ketelaere expressed his comfort and confidence under coach Rudi Garcia. He feels his role within the Red Devils is more clearly defined, allowing him to flourish. Throughout his career, De Ketelaere has demonstrated versatility, playing in multiple positions – wide, as a striker, or in a supporting role. However, he has a clear preference.

“The national coach sees me in the striker role, and it suits me,” De Ketelaere stated. He contrasts his role at Atalanta, where he operates more as a playmaker, with the more direct approach expected of him with Belgium. “At Atalanta, I’m not playing as a deep striker, but rather in the pocket. There, I feel more responsibility to demand the ball and create the game myself. With the Red Devils, you have other players who bring the ball to you, like Kevin De Bruyne. That all feels natural.”

Impressive Form with Atalanta

This season, De Ketelaere has scored five goals in 33 games for Atalanta, building on his impressive performances from the previous two campaigns. In 2023/2024, he netted 14 goals and provided 11 assists, followed by 13 goals and 12 assists in 50 games last season. This consistent output has solidified his position as a key player for the Italian side.

Awaiting a Decisive Role on the International Stage

De Ketelaere recalls the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as his first memory of the tournament. His previous appearances for Belgium have been limited, with minimal playing time at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. He’s hoping that 2026 will be the year he truly makes his mark.

“I have been a Red Devil for a long time, but never had a decisive role,” he admitted. “After the World Cup qualifiers, that feeling changed. I have become more important.” He believes the clarity of his role and the coach’s faith in him will be crucial to his success.

Looking Ahead: USA vs. Belgium

The upcoming friendly against the USA provides a valuable opportunity for De Ketelaere to showcase his abilities and solidify his position as a key player for Belgium. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the occasion and fill the void left by Romelu Lukaku.

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