Mika Godts shines in Van Bommel's debut and confirms megatransfer in Belgium

At the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the referee's whistle sounded as the Red Devils began their first Nations League‑match under Mark van Bommel. After only thirty minutes, the whole of Belgium was already talking about the left winger who moved this summer for €45 million from Ajax to Paris Saint‑Germain.

Godts gets starting spot in Van Bommel‑debut

Mark van Bommel took the bench of the Belgian national team for the first time and immediately put Mika Godts in as the starting left‑back. The young Belgian, who last season was one of the few bright spots at Ajax, immediately received the ball and opened the scoring after a pass from Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne's assist led to a dribbling move in which two defenders slipped into nothing, a scene that reminded many Feyenoord duos of the Champions League clash against FC Barcelona. Godts finished with an ice‑cold calm execution, and ten minutes later a second strike from the Paris Saint‑Germain winger almost followed.

Reactions and context of the megatransfer

“The national coach has secured a pearl for the national team,” the reaction from Italy rang out, followed by “Godts is better than our entire squad” and “What an incredible player, it’s logical that PSG bought him this summer.” The opinions were shared by supporters across Belgium and even Europe.

Van Bommel avoids pieter‑Jan Calcoen's trap in Rome

Godts' transfer, who last season recorded double‑digit numbers in both goals and assists for the Dutch record champions, did not earn him a place at the World Cup squad of the Red Devils at the time. It was then seen as a major mistake by national coach Rudi García.

At PSG, Godts already receives sufficient playing minutes under manager Luis Enrique, although the competition with the likes of Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué is immense. Nevertheless, he continues to play a central role for Belgium, now under the leadership of Mark van Bommel.

Belgium turn away from the Golden Generation as De Bruyne and Lukaku step back

The first match under Van Bommel and Godts' immediate impact confirm that the megatransfer was not only a club issue, but also an important step for the national team. Belgian fans and the broader European football community appear unanimously to believe that Godts is the new super‑star of Belgium.