Youri Tielemans
VillaCM (AM)
Box-to-Box
May 7, 1997 (29)
Right
5'10"
159 lb
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
This season
Overall Grades by game
This season
Matches
News
Active role in midfield
Tielemans had two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Monday's 1-1 draw against Egypt.
Analysis: Tielemans played a disciplined and energetic role in Monday's 1-1 draw with Egypt, registering two shots off-target and four crosses (one accurate) from a deep midfield position that required him to both protect the backline and contribute in the attacking transition throughout a match his side dominated in possession but struggled to convert. The Aston Villa midfielder covered significant ground and was involved in multiple sequences that created half-chances for Kevin de Bruyne and Leandro Trossard, providing the connecting link between the defensive and offensive phases in a 4-2-3-1 that failed to click at the right moments. His energy and ball-winning ability from a deep role give Belgium an important platform to build from, and his consistency across the next group games will be central to whether the Red Devils can find the rhythm their squad quality demands.
Key midfield role at World Cup
Tielemans shapes up as one of the most well-rounded midfield options heading into the 2026 World Cup, having been named in Belgium's squad as a key component of coach Rudi Garcia's three-man midfield.
Analysis: Tielemans arrives at the tournament in excellent form and full confidence after a standout season with Aston Villa, contributing two goals and seven assists alongside 50 key passes as the club lifted the Europa League title and secured Champions League qualification for next season. His passing range, delivery from wide areas and ability to arrive late into the box make him a versatile and dangerous presence in the midfield, capable of both dictating play and contributing directly to goals. At international level, he forms a natural and complementary trio alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Amadou Onana, offering the perfect blend of creativity, defensive solidity and box-to-box energy, as he operates as the link between both through intelligent movement, technical quality and a sharp eye for the killer pass. Belgium's midfield has rarely looked as balanced and experienced heading into a major tournament, and his role as the connector in that unit makes him one of the more underrated picks for the summer.
Explore more players
Bruno Fernandes
MUN• #8• AMDeclan Rice
ARS• #41• CMDominik Szoboszlai
LIV• #8• AMJames Garner
EVE• #37• CMSelect Player
Search and select a player to compare