Alexis Saelemaekers
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).
Disqualified for Genoa meeting
Saelemaekers had one shot (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created and was booked for the fifth time in Sunday's 3-2 loss versus Atalanta.
Analysis: Saelemakers had a pedestrian outing for the most part, but took one shot for the fifth game in a row (three on target) and extended his streak of matches with multiple tackles to six, for a total of 15 (seven won). He won't be available for the Genoa match due to yellow-card accumulation. Zachary Athekame will likely fill in.
Fairly lively in Juventus meeting
Saelemaekers won three of three tackles and had one shot (zero on goal), three interceptions and two chances created in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Juventus.
Analysis: Saelemakers was pretty sprightly on the wing and tracked back a lot, posting a new season high in interceptions. He hit the crossbar from inside the box in the best scoring opportunity of the contest. He has registered at least one tackle in eight straight fixtures, piling up 15 (eight won), adding 16 key passes, 13 crosses (six accurate) and seven interceptions over that span. Furthermore, this marked his third game in a row with one shot (two on target).
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