Football

World Cup 2022: Frustrated De Bruyne wants ‘braver’ Belgium against Morocco

November 25, 2022 7:39 pm

Thibaut Courtois denied Alphonso Davies from the spot in the first half. It would haunt them as a 44th-minute Michy Batshuayi strike was enough for the Red Devils to scrape past Canada. 

Kevin De Bruyne

Head coach Roberto Martinez’s attention will be fixed on Morocco, whom they face off against on Sunday. A victory will ensure a place in the knockout rounds and Kevin De Bruyne wants an improved performance against the African outfit.

The Belgian third-captain was unimpressed with their performance against the Maple Leafs and believes they were ordinary against the North African side. De Bruyne opined that Belgium needs to be ‘better on the ball’ if they are to live up to their standards.

He received the man of the match award against Canada but brushed it aside and believes there is room for improvement.

“We can show more bravery, be better on the ball, and overall improve our performance, and individually it’s the same,” De Bruyne told reporters.

“I was on the level that the team was playing at, I was below average, I expect myself to be way better than that. That’s what I’m going to try and do in the next game.”

Playing with Belgium can be frustrating

The Red Devils are ranked second in FIFA’s rankings. Despite their lofty standing, the star midfielder is not pleased with their playing style. De Bruyne showed his discontent on the pitch and shared that he only wants more from the national side. 

The 31-year-old admitted that Belgium cannot play expansively like Manchester City frustrates him. It leads to his ‘not always good’ reactions and is aware that he needs to show them in a better way.

“We can’t play in the same way as Manchester City, as a national team you have to adapt to the players you have,” De Bruyne explained.

“Does it frustrate me sometimes? Yes, but I should show that less, although that is the perfection I strive for.

“I do know that my reactions are not always good. I also look for moments afterwards to make peace. Of course I also have to learn to show my reactions in a better way. Sometimes emotions are involved, but that is something I’m working on.”

“I get very agitated, I’m a perfectionist, I like to play good football, but I also know that I have to adapt to my team-mates and play with them and help them as much as possible.”

Lukaku will scare Morocco’s defence

Belgium received welcoming news as Romelu Lukaku was declared fit for first team action. However, it looks unlikely that the Inter Milan forward will start from the get-go. 

Lukaku has found minutes hard to come by but De Bruyne believes he can make an impact from the bench. The 95-time capped international believes the powering attacker’s presence will not change their playing style and will put fear in the Atlas Lions’ defence.

“Romelu’s return will not change the way we play, but of course he is a top striker,” said De Bruyne.

“Romelu has not played for a long time now, but even if he can only have a few minutes, defensively they will be more scared.

“He gives us a lot more options. His return will be a boost.”

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