Kevin De Bruyne pushes younger Red Devils to lead in Nations League

Kevin De Bruyne, 35, has said at the start of the Nations League that it is time for the responsibility of the Belgian national team to shift to younger players, and that coach Mark van Bommel will have a major part in the hand‑over.

Passing the torch to the next generation

The midfielder explained, “It is time that the responsibility shifts to the younger players,” during his press briefing at the Nations League opening. He added that many teammates had asked him after the World Cup to stay with the Rode Duivels, which he said gives him energy and makes him feel good. De Bruyne also stressed that he still wants to be a Red Devil and that skipping the Nations League, as Thibaut Courtois has, is “a non‑issue”.

At the Proximus Basecamp in Tubeke he was seen joking with Maxim De Cuyper on Monday, even as the youngster received a black marker pen in his neck during a signing session. The following morning De Bruyne made Romelu Lukaku laugh loudly at the start of training, showing his relaxed presence among the squad.

Leadership vacuum after senior exits

The departure of Axel Witsel, the non‑selection of Thomas Meunier and the sabbatical of Thibaut Courtois have removed three experienced leaders from the Rode Duivels. De Bruyne warned that when such figures leave, a 24‑ or 25‑year‑old must take a group on a leash, recalling that at twenty he did not need to lead but now the step is inevitable.

He named Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere, Arthur Theate, Nicolas Raskin and Senne Lammens as the youngsters who should start shouldering the burden, alongside captain Youri Tielemans. In a Dutch interview he even used the word “Zijn” to describe his personal commitment to guiding them.

Maxim De Cuyper credits harsh youth lessons for Premier League rise

De Bruyne said, “We are getting older. I would not like the younger players to experience a shock when we step down as Rode Duivel. They must already feel what it is like to carry a team for the whole country.”

De Bruyne’s club form and future outlook

His start to the season at Napoli was modest; he began the first three competitive matches on the bench and entered for roughly half an hour each time. Recent weeks have seen him return to the starting eleven, though he admits he still finds it hard to leave a clear imprint on games.

When asked about his level, he laughed and replied, “Honestly, I think my current level at Napoli is actually good. I was surprised how fit I began the season in August and how sharp I am. Compared with ten years ago there is a difference, but that is normal.”

Kevin De Bruyne says he'll stay for Nations League, Courtois sits out

De Bruyne told coach Mark van Bommel his vision during a meeting in Naples, noting that the discussion focused on feeling rather than technical details. Van Bommel later said he has already had a few meetings and one training with De Bruyne and understands how he wants to play, although it will take time for the two to sync fully. The comments were published by Axel Brisart Voetbal.