Called up to the last Belgium squad for the games against Scotland and Iceland, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Leander Dendoncker didn’t get so lucky this time around.
Even if he didn’t come off the bench in either game, the defensive midfielder was still a part of the team, and has been pretty much consistently ever since Roberto Martinez took over from Marc Wilmots.
However, speaking at his press conference on Friday to reveal his next team, the former Everton manager gave his reasons as to why he decided it was best to leave the Wolves utility man at Molineux.
He said, relayed by Walfoot: “Many players are fighting for a spot at the back. It’s important that everyone knows there’s a lot of competition. Dendoncker evidently has the qualities to be a part of the national team.
“But when you don’t play, it’s hard to be in with a shot. It’s important for him to work hard over the next few weeks. It’s an opportunity for him to stay at the club and work. Of course, he has a future with the team.”
Since arriving from Anderlecht for around £12m in the summer, the 23-year-old hasn’t featured in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo.
His two appearances have both come in the Carabao Cup, first beating Sheffield Wednesday and then losing to Leicester on penalties.
At this rate, the FA Cup cannot come soon enough for Dendoncker.
