Mika Godts will step into Belgium’s starting line-up against France on Monday night with a point to prove, but not, he insists, as a direct audition for Paris Saint-Germain. The 21-year-old winger has made a restrained start in Paris after his summer move from Ajax, yet his latest international display showed the fearless dribbler Belgium believe can grow into a major figure.
Godts is expected to start at 20:45 in the absence of Jérémy Doku, having impressed in Belgium’s 2-0 win over Italy in Rome. He scored a fine individual goal, repeatedly took on opponents and worked relentlessly when Belgium were without possession.
That performance was a sharp contrast to his early PSG record. Signed in August from Ajax in a deal worth €55 million including bonuses, the Tirlemont-born forward has played only 144 minutes in all competitions for the reigning two-time European champions. All six of his appearances have come from the bench.
Patience in Paris
Godts said PSG have made clear that his development will not be rushed. “The club believes in me and gives me time to work,” he said. “The squad helps me a great deal and I feel my level is improving. The standard in training is extremely high.”
He does not view the France match as an opportunity to force Luis Enrique’s hand over selection in Paris. “I do not see the game that way,” Godts said, maintaining that he will not try to manufacture a statement performance simply to earn a starting role for PSG.
The Belgian also said he is ready for competition once Doku returns from injury at future international camps. “I am prepared to face any competition,” he said.
World Cup setback sharpened his ambition
His transfer to the French capital was one major event of the summer, but missing Belgium’s most recent World Cup squad was another that stayed with him. Godts described the omission as a major disappointment, while saying it has increased his determination to reach the tournament in the future.
“It was a huge disappointment, but it made me want to play at a World Cup even more,” he said. “I am hungrier now. I know I did everything possible to be there last season and I do not take it personally.”
He accepted the decision made by then Belgium coach Rudi Garcia, whose side reached the quarter-finals before losing 2-1 to Spain. “The coach made his choices and the Red Devils still had a good tournament without me,” Godts said.
Van Bommel gives the winger licence
Belgium’s new coach Mark van Bommel has encouraged Godts to keep playing with the same attacking instinct that defined his performance against Italy. Godts attempted dribbles throughout the match, completing 50 per cent of them.
“That is how I have always played, and it is what the coach likes,” he said. “Before the match, he told me to make my dribbles and keep going if they did not come off.”
The winger welcomed that backing. “Even if I fail four dribbles in a row, I will try a fifth time,” he said.
Godts also highlighted the defensive side of his game after making valuable recovery runs in Rome. He believes that work is particularly important to Luis Enrique as he looks to establish himself at PSG.
“I am learning a lot in that area,” he said. “It matters to him.”
