Alexis Saelemaekers
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Provides disciplined display
Saelemaekers generated two shots (zero on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Iran.
Analysis: Saelemaekers started on the right wing in place of the absent Jeremy Doku in Sunday's goalless draw with Iran, registering two shots, one cross and one tackle across 58 minutes before being replaced by Dodi Lukebakio as coach Rudi Garcia made his triple substitution in search of a breakthrough. The winger contributed to Belgium's sustained pressure in the first half without creating any clear-cut opportunities of his own, and his defensive tracking work on Iran's counter-attacks helped maintain Belgium's shape against a side that was consistently dangerous on the transition. With Jeremy Doku's return for the New Zealand fixture uncertain, Saelemaekers has demonstrated he can be a reliable and disciplined wide option for this Belgium squad, though his replacement by the more direct Lukebakio suggested the coaching staff wanted more individual threat from the wide positions in the final third.
Eligible to face Cagliari
Saelemaekers served a one-game suspension in Sunday's 2-1 win over Genoa.
Analysis: Saelemaekers will be back versus Cagliari next Sunday and compete with Zachary Athekame, who scored in relief. Saelemaekers has taken one shot in five consecutive outings (three on target), registering seven chances created, seven crosses (two accurate) and three interceptions during that stretch. Furthermore, He has recorded one or more tackles in his last 10 outings, totaling 20 (10 won).
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