Belgian-born Cyriel Dessers is reportedly on the radar of the Belgian national team after his impressive form on loan at Dutch Eredivisie side Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Eredivisie and in the UEFA European Conference League.
Dessers joined Feyenoord on a season-long loan at the beginning of the season from Belgian club KRC Genk. Despite being used as a substitute for the entirety of the season which comes to an end in a few weeks, he has notched up a considerable number of goals.
Dessers' numbers so far
The striker has started only six games in 24 total appearances for Feyenoord in the league and completed the full 90 minutes in two of those starts. He has racked up six goals and provided two assists in that limited time he has been given.
In the conference league, however, he stands head and shoulders above his teammates and the rest of Europe with 10 goals and two assists from 11 appearances. His goal tally in all competitions for the Rotterdamers is 17 from 36, which is a respectable output for a striker who is only used sporadically.
Dessers, who was born in Belgium, has now attracted the attention of Robert Martinez who would like to invite him for Belgium's friendly games as they warm up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.
However, his agent claims that the 27-year-old is only willing to play for the Super Eagles, who he declared for in 2020. Since then, he has only earned two call ups and played only one game for the Nigerian national team.
Dessers wants to be a part of the Super Eagles rebuild, says agent
Still, Dessers is willing to prove his worth to the Super Eagles handlers. “For Dessers, it's the Super Eagles and nothing else matters,” says his representative. “He was sad he missed the Africa Cup of Nations but that hasn't changed his love and desire to play for Nigeria.
“The dream is to be a part of the rebuild of the Super Eagles. He understands that the country is blessed with several options in attack but he wants a chance to compete. A fair chance is not too much to ask.”
Dessers, meanwhile, is unsure of where the future of his club career lies unlike his determination to represent the Super Eagles.
Feyenoord signed the striker on loan from Genk with an option to buy and despite his strong showing, have not made a decision on him. Genk are looking to make some money from Dessers whose form is also attracting interest from all over Europe.
The Belgian Jupiler Pro League club issued an ultimatum to the Dutch club earlier in the month to make a decision on Dessers by the end of the month. No news has been reported this far, putting the 27-year-old's future in doubt.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
