Kevin De Bruyne expressed that he “can still make a difference” for Belgium following his outstanding display against Turkiye in the Nations League.
Belgium secured a 3-0 victory at Stade Maurice Dufrasne on Friday, highlighted by two remarkable goals from De Bruyne and another from Romelu Lukaku.
His first goal involved a clever nutmeg on Abdulkerim Bardakci before slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner, while his second was an exquisite curling shot from distance into the top-left corner.
The Napoli midfielder also created three chances, surpassing all Belgian players except Mika Godts, who had four, and he won half of his duels before being substituted in the 82nd minute.
In this international break, De Bruyne has directly contributed to three goals (two goals and one assist) across three Nations League matches, and the 35-year-old is confident he can still play a vital role for Mark van Bommel’s team.
“I’m trying to set an example for the younger players, and they find it easy to follow,” De Bruyne commented.
“I feel I can still contribute. I’m enjoying the game, which is what matters most.”
Goodmorning, Belgium. pic.twitter.com/GadxFnU3DQ
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) October 3, 2026
In terms of expected goals (xG), Belgium edged Turkiye 1.58 to 1.38, with Turkiye squandering some good opportunities, particularly through Merih Demiral just before halftime.
At the other end, Dodi Lukebakio hit the post twice, and Hans Vanaken had a clever flick saved by Ugurcan Cakir.
“Winning at home was our objective,” stated Belgium captain Youri Tielemans.
“The match was quite open, but we capitalized on our chances and could have scored even more. They left ample space in midfield, and we must sharpen our decision-making in the final third.”
Belgium’s next match during this international break will be against France on Monday, and a win would propel Van Bommel’s squad to the top of Group A1 in the Nations League.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights De Bruyne’s enduring impact on the national team, especially as they gear up for crucial matches. His ability to mentor younger players while still delivering high-level performances is vital for Belgium’s aspirations in the Nations League and could have lasting implications for the team’s performance in upcoming tournaments.
Source: www.soccernews.com
