Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata starred for Belgium at the World Cup this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has told BBC’s Sportsound podcast that he thinks Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata was ‘immense’ at the World Cup.
Club football may only just have returned, but it is taking a back seat again this week as the first international break of the season is upon us already.
The UEFA Nations League kicks off, whilst nations will also be playing in friendly matches too, such as the Scotland versus Belgium clash at Hampden Park on Friday night.
With Belgium in town, Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata will be in very familiar surroundings, and will be facing some of his Bhoys teammates on the international stage.
The 27-year-old was once derided by Bhoys fans, but has now become a star for Brendan Rodgers and even a regular in the Belgian national team, meaning he may well feature on Friday.
The centre back impressed at the World Cup this past summer, and his strong performances attracted interest in Boyata’s signature, which resulted in him attempting to force through a move away.
Boyata’s controversial actions led to fan backlash at the recent home game against Hamilton Academical, though the contract rebel – a free agent next summer – has silenced his doubters with the winning goal against Hamilton and a dominant display against Rangers.
Now, Belgium teammate and Tottenham star Jan Vertonghen has told BBC’s Sportsound podcast that he thinks Boyata is a ‘great defender’ and ‘very smart’, praising him for being ‘immense’ at the World Cup as he underlines just why Celtic are so desperate to keep him.
“He’s been with us for a while now,” said Vertonghen. “He’s a great defender. Very smart guy as well. He had a great World Cup. He played because of a couple of injuries but he had a great tournament and showed Belgium and the world how good a defender he is. He was immense for us in the World Cup,” he added.
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