How realistic is it that this group of Devils starts the next tournament with the same players? The next big tournament is the European Championships in 2020 and I do not see much problems with that. There are of course players who are around 30 and a little older, but I do not think that's a problem. No rejuvenation is required unless there are boys who indicate that they want to stop.
For example, Kompany has already received that question a number of times, but he always responds evasively and dismissively. If I feel good, I play, he says. I do not think he plays with the thought of stopping himself. In all this group I see only two boys who might turn away: Fellaini and Dembélé.
Fellaini has already said that he would stop after this World Cup, but that was especially at a time when he did not play much with the Devils. That may change now that he is important again. And then you have Moussa Dembélé. At a press-conference long before his semi-final, he also said that he might consider to stop. He is not unhappy with the national team, but is very sensitive for injuries.
He has now been criticized after that match against France, but he can not just feel responsible for that defeat. There were soothing conditions and he was not the only one who did not reach his level. I hope that this match is not the final push to close the door behind. But you can not force him to leave. If he feels good, he must stay with the group. He fits perfectly into that group of players.
"Faster our defenders will not become"
The average age is especially high in defence. Kompany and Vermaelen are 32, Vertonghen 31. Are they too old within two years? They do not get any faster. That is obvious. And now we are already vulnerable in that area. That has to be evaluated.
But if they just keep playing at their club and keep their level, then I do not think they are up for discussion. There are still countries with a more mature defense. They also have assets: their experience, their years of service, ...
There will be players from the youth who will influence the natural selection. Players who drift away from the older generation, but I do not see that happening today.
"New names? Praet may be a substitute for Dembélé"
Are there no new players ready? "At the back you still have Boyota and Dendoncker, they are already there and hopefully they continue growing, there is also Denayer, who crashed at the European Championships, but still an option." Brandon Mechele has also taken steps forward, but we need to confirm that we have already performed something abroad.
Then you still have Bjorn Engels. He didn't had a happy season, but he can still come back. I hear a lot of positive sounds about Zinho Vanheusden, but he has not played enough yet to form a real picture about it. How about Cobbaut at Anderlecht?
You have such guys in every line. In the midfield, for example, there is Dennis Praet. He has been in the corner for some time due to the performance of the other midfielders, but he might be an alternative to Dembélé if he stops. He has already gained a lot of experience in Italy.
In the front you have Origi, who has just dropped out the team. Dimata gets another chance. Then you have Trossard, Schrijvers, Edmilson, Vanaken, ... These are all players that you have to watch over the next few months. Maybe they are just good enough, maybe not, ...
"Martinez has made a name for this World Cup, everyone has seen it"
Roberto Martinez signed a new agreement before this tournament until 2020. Will he respect it? I think he will stay, he has built up a lot of credit with the press and the public after this tournament, and the cooperation with the association is going well.
He has made a name here at the World Cup. Everyone has seen that. He was mentioned in Spain, but that possible offer has now disappeared. If a club comes from the Premier League? Money sometimes makes people joke, but I think he will fulfill his commitment. If it is not an absolute top club that wants him, he will sign a contract.
The Devils are also starting a new competition very quickly. Martinez will take a rest period and then start again.
Thank you Red Devils for the Worldcup. Let's hope you will become 3th tommorow.
Goodluck brothers
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