Anderlecht youngster Zino Debast is currently playing ‘at Manchester City level’ this season but needs to keep developing before he moves to the Etihad.
That’s according to former Anderlecht goalkeeper Frank Boeckx, who believes the 19-year-old is well on the way to success in future, and perhaps even a move to Manchester City.
Debast has been a regular again for the Belgian side this season, making 33 appearances in the league as well as nine appearances in the Conference League.
He’s impressed too, with a series of impressive performances in the heart of their defence earning him rave reviews.
He is already a part of the senior Belgium set up after being handed his debut in the Nations League in September and was a part of Roberto Martinez’s squad at the World Cup in Qatar.
He is also a part of Domenico Tedesco’s group, sitting on the bench for their clashes against Sweden and Germany in the last international break.
It’s likely he will be a major player for his country and Anderlecht in the coming years and Boeckx believes he is already playing at a level which would be good enough for Manchester City.
“It should be better without the ball,” Boeckx said on Extra Time, relayed by Sporza.
“But if you look at what he does with the ball… then he is at Manchester City level. Debast has everything: the cross ball, the long ball, the overview, the vista… and he does it all with flair.
“Even when he comes under pressure, he is agile enough. He can play the ball again; he sees the spaces.
“Football is fantastic and he plays at a very high level. In that respect, Debast does better than the average central defender,” says the studio guest.
“As a central defender, he still has to take steps. Then he will effectively go to Manchester City. First it is important to grow muscles. To be able to compete with strikers like Lukaku or Onuachu.”
