Dendoncker: "Not to the World Cup as a tourist"

INTERVIEWS One more friendly game and the Red Devils travel to Russia. Anderlecht is represented by Leander Dendoncker and he is ambitious. "I hope to play in Russia, I will not go to the World Cup as a tourist", that's how it sounds.


"It will be a great experience, it is my first World Cup and being there is the dream of every footballer", says the midfielder / defender for Sporza's microphone.

Option at two positions

Dendoncker wants to make minutes, but how realistic is that? "I know I do not have a place at the moment, but you never know. An injury can happen quickly, but I do not wish that to anyone. If the trainer needs me, I'll be there."

What role is there for Dendoncker? "The national coach used me as a defensive midfielder and as a central defender, I think he sees me as an option in both positions. He told me that as well."

Pick up a higher level

Dendoncker is the only player in the Belgian league to be in the World Cup selection from Martinez. "The intensity of training is much higher than at Anderlecht, which is logical - all Red Devils are important at large clubs abroad, but that's good for me, so I can learn a lot from them."

"I put a lot of effort into both training and during the tactical sessions, so it is up to me to pick that up and take part as quickly as possible at that level."

'Matrasgate'

A few days before Martinez announced his final World Cup selection, there was the 'Matrasgate'. Dedoncker was mentioned as a drop-off. Did he worried then? "There have indeed been some stories, but I have always kept on believing But it was not fun to read."

"The fact that I was in the stands against Portugal was not very nice, but I did make the final selection."