Now a regular in Brendan Rodgers’ first-team at Celtic Park, Dedryck Boyata is reaping the benefits of playing football week in week out for a reputable club, namely getting called up to represent his country.
One of seven defenders called up by Roberto Martinez, the Celtic centre-back is delighted to have impressed the former Everton manager enough, especially after his tough start to the season.
Speaking to DH, he said: “I went through some difficult moments as I thought I was done with the injury, but it happened again at the worst time. It deprived me of the Euros and the pre-season with Celtic. And since my club was doing well, I had to wait until January to get my spot back.”
Since then, the 26-year-old has made 12 appearances for the Hoops, scoring two important goals against St Johnstone and Aberdeen in the Premiership, and is now keen to show people what he can do on a bigger stage.
He continued: “I feel very comfortable in this group, and, naturally, I hope to have some game time. However, I’m not the type of player who’s going to shout it from rooftops. I’m used to playing in a back three where I’ve already played every role, which is an advantage.”
With Roberto Martinez switching to three at the back rather swiftly after taking over from Marc Wilmots as Belgium’s national team manager, the Celtic defender has to fight for a spot with the likes of Thomas Vermaelen, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
While his manager might continue with his trusted starters for the World Cup qualifier against Greece, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Boyata get some game time in the subsequent friendly against Russia three days later.
After all, that’s exactly what those games are there for.
