Leicester: Encouraging signs for retaining Tielemans

Belgium failed to overcome their Italian obstacle in their conquest to wrap up the Euros. Amidst all this, there remains a silver lining for Leicester City.

Belgium’s squad for Euro 2020 was called the “Bronze Generation.” Rightfully so, as the Red Devils were the number one ranked team in FIFA rankings. Each starter of the squad was a game-changer for their respective clubs. Despite all the ornamentations, the Italians kept the Belgians at bay for the most part over the ninety minutes.

Burnout for Tielemans

It’s a heartbreaking end for our Belgian Foxes. But in particular, for Youri Tielemans, the end of the road would leave a bitter taste in his mouth. Having won the FA Cup for Leicester City with his thunderbolt, Youri fell short of reproducing his magic in Euros. The 24-year-old started 49 games for City in all competitions this season.

Having helped his injury-riddled side by constantly playing regular minutes, Tielemans was exhausted. After the season concluded, he was summoned to represent the Red Devils in the Euro. While Belgium waited for their star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to return after a sustained injury, the responsibilities landed on the shoulders of Tielemans.

After some splendid performances, fatigue caught up with him, and it reflected on his performances which were not very admirable. During this time, a lot of media reported about his developing situation at the club.

It was a hot topic of discussion as Liverpool was very keen to plot a snatch on Tielemans by their chutzpah. The Blue Army was concerned by the development of talks around their precious. Youri didn’t want to comment much on the issue as he focused on his national team.

"“I still have a lot in store, I try to rest as much as possible and get my body ready for the games. I always try to be self-critical, so I have mixed feelings about my tournament. Defensively it’s been OK, but against Portugal we could have done better by keeping the ball for longer.”– Tielemans, on recent performances."

The proverbial ‘silver lining’ for Leicester City

"“I suppose advancing in the tournament on the back of one shot shows that we are efficient. We can create more, but it is not always necessary, I expect that Italy might play football in a different way. Mentally, it is different because you face immediate elimination in the knockout phase. You may then play more cautiously but I don’t think their playing style will change. It will be a good battle in midfield. Hopefully, the best will win.”Via Leicester Mercury."

Young prospects can easily be lured away by the major clubs. It’s not wrong either to leave one club for another to progress in your career. Understanding every bit of that logic, the knockout of Belgium could be just the thing for which Tielemans chooses to stay and commit to a long-term future at the King Power.

A mildly disappointing tournament and individual performance could be a blessing in disguise. It would only add fuel to the fire that would linger from now within. We all hope that Youri overcomes the disappointment of the Euro and soon gets the proper rest that he had due for such a long time. He is young, yet to hit his peak years. He would play in plenty of tournaments and will surely enjoy glorious achievements with both his club and country in the future.