BRUSSELS: New Belgium coach Rudi Garcia believes the signs are positive for a return to the national team for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has not featured for the side since June 2023 following a dispute with former coach Domenico Tedesco.

Courtois made himself unavailable after being overlooked for the captaincy by Tedesco, but the latter’s axing earlier this month has opened the door for a return for the 32-year-old.

“Thibaut Courtois is one of the greatest players in Belgium,” Garcia told reporters on Friday. “We still have good goalkeepers, but Thibaut is the best goalkeeper in the world in my opinion.”

Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne opted out of Nations League matches in 2024, and Garcia is eager to gauge their feelings towards Belgium.

“I will definitely travel to Madrid, Manchester and Naples to talk to the players who can make us a top country,” he said. “I have always believed that the biggest players are the easiest to work with. You can be transparent and honest with them.

“They have already experienced a lot, so it can be interesting to discuss and consult with them. It is important for the balance of this group — with a lot of talent — to also have the established players involved.”

Garcia said he will rely on ex-Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard for knowledge of the squad, but that he would not have a formal role on the technical team.

“I talk to Eden Hazard a lot. He will also be a part of the adventure to the (2026) World Cup. He will help us a little,” Garcia said.

Belgium will face Ukraine in March in a two-legged promotion/relegation tie to retain their place in the top-tier Nations League A, before meeting North Macedonia, Wales, Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan in World Cup qualifiers.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2025