Belgium face Iceland and Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League clash later this month and Roberto Martinez has already announced his squad for the two fixtures.
One of the names included in the list may come as a surprise, and that’s Leander Dendoncker, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from Anderlecht in the summer.
The 23-year-old has played only on two occasions for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side and both of them have come in the Carabao Cup, while he is yet to make his debut in the Premier League.
De Rode Duivels manager explained why the Wolves player made it to the Belgium team squad for the upcoming international matches.
“Leander Dendoncker is there because he knows our concept of playing and because he is a versatile player,” Martinez explained, as quoted by Het Nieuwsblad.
Dendoncker can play as a right or left centre-back, while he also has the experience of playing in the defensive midfield position.
The former Everton manager will not be able to rely on star players like Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne and Mousa Dembele due to injuries.
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has also been left out because he is not in position to play the full 90 minutes after returning from lay-off.
Martinez has shown before that he can call players up to help give them a boost, and that’s likely to be another reason the Wolves man is getting a chance.
