Domenico Tedesco’s announced his first squad since taking over from Roberto Martinez on Friday. While the likes of Eden Hazard and Toby Alderweireld have moved on of their own accord, it appears that Axel Witsel and Dries Mertens have played their last game for the Red Devils. There was some expectation that young Belgians performing well in the domestic league may get a greater look in under Tedesco, but his first squad did not signal that intent. Only Zeno Debast and Jan Vertonghen made it from the Belgian Pro League. Mike Tresor, despite leading the league in assists, has not been included. Hans Vanaken, a usual call up under Martinez, may have also seen the end of his international career as he was not included in this squad.
There are some exciting names in there, with Romeo Lavia the headline in terms of young talent. However, outside of Lavia, most of the big names remained. Despite having hardly played any competitive football for Dortmund this season, Thomas Meunier remained part of the squad, while there were a few eyebrows raised with the inclusion of Leicester’s Dennis Praet.
Perhaps the biggest talking point was around the inclusion of Thomas Kaminski over Genk’s Maarten Vandevoordt. The latter, who is set to join RB Leipzig in 2024, was included in the U21 squad instead. Its unlikely that Kaminski will play, with Thibaut Courtois the clear number one for the future.
With the squad now confirmed, attention will turn to the style of play for the first game against Sweden. Tedesco has picked his squad, but the first XI he goes for will certainly be interesting.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
