Tottenham Hotspur’s Mousa Dembele says he should be a key part of the Belgian side at next summer’s World Cup.
Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembele has been arguing his case to start for his country at next summer’s World Cup.
Dembele was a second half substitute in Belgium’s 3-3 draw with Mexico at the weekend.
The Spurs midfielder knows that Manchester City attacker Kevin de Bruyne is an automatic pick if fit, but believes he is ideally suited to partner him.
Dembele added that he was confused at comparisons between himself and De Bruyne as they are such different players.
He told Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad: “Of course I believe in my qualities, but Kevin de Bruyne is invaluable to our team.
He has shown that he is important to the team for several years, I think there are several systems in which we can play together.
“I am more defensive than he. He can add more at an offensive level. I therefore find it strange that some people compare us to each other.”
Dembele has struggled with injuries this season at club level and has to prove his fitness to international coach Roberto Martinez if he is to be a starter at the 2018 World Cup.
At the weekend young Monaco talent Youri Tielemans started ahead of him, before he was changed for Dembele at half-time.
Dembele therefore will be pushing to feature for Belgium against Japan on Tuesday evening, although Spurs fans will worry about him playing twice in a week ahead of the upcoming North London derby.
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