Belgium Boss Says Jason Denayer is the Man to Replace Vincent Kompany at Euro 2016

Jason Denayer looks as though he’s been handed a chance to permanently break in Belgium’s starting line-up after manager Marc Wilmots revealed he should start at Euro 2016.

With captain and regular centre-back Vincent Kompany sidelined after sustaining a groin injury, it had been expected that Wilmots would pair Tottenham defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen together, given they enjoyed such a successful season in the Premier League.

But apparently Wilmots favours a straight swap for Kompany, and given Barcelona’s Thomas Vermalen also struggles with injuries, the coach said via the Manchester Evening News:

“Vincent and Thomas are prone to injury. We therefore looked at young players with an interesting profile.

“That’s why I brought Jason Denayer with us – he has the best profile to replace Vincent Kompany. He is fast and allows the team to play and press.”

Wilmots: "Denayer has best profile to replace Kompany. I have a defence (Toby-Denayer-Lombaerts-Vertonghen) that works well" (RTBF – 1/4) — John Chapman (@BelgoFoot) May 23, 2016

Denayer, 20, who made his name after a successful loan spell at Celtic last season, is still on the books at Manchester City, and is expected to stake a claim to start under Pep Guardiola next season following another successful loan spell with Galatasaray.

He’s still just 20, and throwing him in at centre-back could be seen as something of a gamble, but anyone who watching him at Celtic last season knows he’s an extremely talented player.

Will Denayer be a hit at the Euros?

Let us know in the comments section below…