Jari Busser gets a chance with Belgium as club football stalls

The next two weeks club football is on hold, but the schedule is filled with a huge number of internationals. It is the first moment after the World Cup when national team coaches can discover which players deserve a place in the squad heading to Euro 2028. Jari Busser, the 16‑year‑old talent from AZ, is among the striking debutants who can now make their appearance.

Busser's chance with the Red Devils

AZ's Eredivisie goalkeeper can use the upcoming international break to show whether he is definitively part of the Belgian squad. The Mark van Bommel era begins in Belgium; a new coach offers new opportunities and Busser takes advantage of this after a good start to the season with AZ. AZ currently sits at the top of the Eredivisie and without a good goalkeeper that would not have been possible.

Busser's call confirms the risky move he made last summer from Go Ahead Eagles to AZ. At AZ, Rome‑Jayden Owusu‑Oduro had been holding the line for some time, but the competition battle was won by the Belgian goalkeeper. Four goalkeepers have been called up, but Thibaut Courtois remains absent; the Real Madrid goalkeeper is skipping the Nations League, but indicates he will be available again for Euro qualification.

Other young talents in the international mix

The goalkeeper of Jong AZ, Zeggen, went through many Dutch youth national teams and now chooses Curaçao, after talks with the staff. Right‑back Kyano Penso of Jong PSV can also, after a good start period, make himself available for internationals with Curaçao.

Mark van Bommel, from the village of Maasbroek to exemplary fatherhood

Cavan Sullivan, only sixteen years old, is called up for the first time to the United States senior squad. The midfielder of Philadelphia Union can prepare for friendly matches against Mexico, Peru, Chile and Canada. Sullivan, who turned professional at fourteen, has recently scored seven goals in the MLS.

Mauro, a late bloomer, received a call-up to the Belgian squad at twenty‑seven, a remarkable achievement from the Eredivisie. Former teammate Olivier Boscagli reached the preliminary squad of France at twenty‑eight, but did not make the final selection.

Mark van Bommel under fire in Belgium: French criticism and unexpected support

The international break offers coaches a wide range of young players to test, from goalkeepers to forwards, and shows how the transition from club to national level is now central.