Beaten Belgium can take pride in Verschaeren’s piece of history
Yari Verschaeren (16) was the youngest player of U21 EURO. (Photo by Getty Images)
REGGIO EMILIA, JUNE 22, 2019 – Belgium left the UEFA U21 EURO after a third defeat in three games, by 3-1, at the hands of Italy in Reggio Emilia. But one Young Devil has left his mark in tournament history.
Anderlecht midfielder Yari Verschaeren, at 17 years 345 days, became the youngest player to score in the history of the tournament, beating the previous marks of England’s Jack Rodwell (18 years 103 days) and Switzerland’s Johan Vonlanthen (18 years 119 days).
“Scoring was an amazing feeling,” said Verschaeren after his beautiful effort in the top right-hand corner. “I have never experienced a game against such good players before this tournament. It was the top of the top. Everybody knows that U21 EURO is high-level. It is different from Belgium.”
The midfielder played 30 minutes played against both Poland and Italy and showed some appealing qualities.
He said: “I was not expecting to play so much so I am happy the coach [Johan Walem] gave me my chance. I am still very young, and I have many things to learn. However, this experience was incredible for me. I have also made new friends.”
Walem was pleased with the player’s performance of his player after only his first professional season.
He said: “What Yari showed during the tournament and the training is not positive, it was super positive. He was not part of the squad during the qualifiers and was still playing with the under-19s some weeks ago. However, I have selected him for the tournament, and I don’t regret it at all.”
The youngest player of the tournament will have to lead the new generation of Belgium in the next four years.
Walem added: “Yari still has lots to learn. At the beginning of the tournament, he was timid, but day after day, he has felt more self-confident. He is working hard and has his feet on the ground. With Bushiri, Mangala, Bornauw of Saelemakers, he is our future.”
Anderlecht midfielder Yari Verschaeren, at 17 years 345 days, became the youngest player to score in the history of the tournament, beating the previous marks of England’s Jack Rodwell (18 years 103 days) and Switzerland’s Johan Vonlanthen (18 years 119 days).
“Scoring was an amazing feeling,” said Verschaeren after his beautiful effort in the top right-hand corner. “I have never experienced a game against such good players before this tournament. It was the top of the top. Everybody knows that U21 EURO is high-level. It is different from Belgium.”
The midfielder played 30 minutes played against both Poland and Italy and showed some appealing qualities.
He said: “I was not expecting to play so much so I am happy the coach [Johan Walem] gave me my chance. I am still very young, and I have many things to learn. However, this experience was incredible for me. I have also made new friends.”
Walem was pleased with the player’s performance of his player after only his first professional season.
He said: “What Yari showed during the tournament and the training is not positive, it was super positive. He was not part of the squad during the qualifiers and was still playing with the under-19s some weeks ago. However, I have selected him for the tournament, and I don’t regret it at all.”
The youngest player of the tournament will have to lead the new generation of Belgium in the next four years.
Walem added: “Yari still has lots to learn. At the beginning of the tournament, he was timid, but day after day, he has felt more self-confident. He is working hard and has his feet on the ground. With Bushiri, Mangala, Bornauw of Saelemakers, he is our future.”
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