The international break can present an opportunity for players to get some time away from the stresses of club football and come back stronger.
For Wout Faes, Leicester City really need him to be showing signs of form now that he is set to return to the Foxes.
Faes sat out of Belgium’s 3-1 loss to Ukraine in the first leg of their Nations League tie only to come back and start in their 3-0 victory on Sunday.
As one of the many Leicester players on international duty, there’s hope that their form on the world stage can transfer back to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side for a big end to the season.
How Belgian media rated Wout Faes’ display against Belgium
Although some Leicester fans have washed their hands with Faes, Belgium boss Rudi Garcia appears to be giving all a chance.
After being left out of the starting XI in the first leg, the 26-year-old was restored to the team for the second leg.
Thankfully it was a decision that paid off all round as not only did Belgium keep a clean sheet, they also won convincingly.
Belgian media felt that the defender was by no means perfect, but he did enough to impress.
DH Les Sports gave him a six and a half out of 10, writing: “Proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he will be a force to be reckoned with in this campaign. The most consistent defender over the two matches.”
HLN were also complimentary, suggesting that he did exactly what was required of him, adding: “Left defending to his companions at the back. Firm in the duels. Otherwise came under little pressure. Correct performance. No more, no less.”
Wout Faes stats vs Ukraine
All in all it was a relatively tidy performance from the defender.
Three goals, a clean sheet and a win is nothing to complain about at all.
As the local media suggested, there didn’t seem like there was an awful lot for Faes and his teammates to contend with but you can only beat what’s in front of you.
| Wout Faes stats vs Belgium |
| Minutes played – 90 |
| Clearances – 6 |
| Blocked shots – 0 |
| Tackles – 0 |
| Dribbled past -0 |
Seeing low numbers like zero for so many statistics can often indicate it was a bad performance but, in the defender’s case, it showed how little he had to do.
Sofascore handed him a 7.1 rating and hopefully this will be the version of Faes Leicester fans will see for the final run-in.