Introduction
Matz Sels, born on February 26, 1992, is a Belgian footballer who has been making waves in the world of football. Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 75 kilograms, Sels is known for his commanding presence on the field and his exceptional goalkeeping skills. Hailing from Lint, Belgium, Sels has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most promising young players in the sport.
Early Life and Career
Sels began his footballing journey at a young age, playing for local youth teams in Belgium. His talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly caught the attention of scouts from top clubs in the country. At the age of 16, he signed his first professional contract with Lierse SK, where he spent several years honing his skills and gaining valuable experience.
Rise to Prominence
After impressing with Lierse SK, Sels caught the eye of top Belgian club KAA Gent, where he signed in 2014. It was at Gent where Sels truly made a name for himself, putting in stellar performances between the posts and helping his team to a historic league title in the 2014-2015 season. His performances earned him a call-up to the Belgian national team, where he made his debut in 2016.
Move to England
In 2016, Sels made the move to English club Newcastle United, signing a five-year deal with the Championship side. Despite facing stiff competition for the starting goalkeeper spot, Sels impressed with his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure. He played a key role in Newcastle’s promotion to the Premier League in his first season at the club.
Loan Spells and Return to Belgium
After spending one season in the Premier League with Newcastle, Sels was loaned out to Anderlecht in Belgium for the 2017-2018 season. He returned to Newcastle the following season but found himself behind other goalkeepers in the pecking order. In 2019, Sels made a permanent move back to Belgium, signing with Racing Strasbourg in Ligue 1.
Playing Style
Sels is known for his commanding presence in goal, often coming off his line to claim crosses and organize his defense. He has excellent reflexes and shot-stopping ability, making him a formidable opponent for opposing strikers. Sels is also known for his distribution skills, often starting attacks from the back with accurate long balls and passes.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Sels has achieved numerous accolades and awards for his performances on the field. He was named the Belgian Pro League Goalkeeper of the Year in 2015 and was included in the Pro League Team of the Year multiple times during his time at Gent. Sels also played a key role in helping Newcastle United secure promotion to the Premier League in 2017.
International Career
Sels made his debut for the Belgian national team in 2016 and has since been a regular member of the squad. While he has faced tough competition from other talented goalkeepers like Thibaut Courtois and Simon Mignolet, Sels has proven himself as a reliable option between the posts for Belgium. He has represented his country in several international competitions, including UEFA Euro 2020.
Personal Life
Off the field, Sels is known for his dedication to fitness and training. He is a consummate professional who takes his craft seriously and is always looking to improve his game. Sels is also actively involved in charitable work, supporting various causes in Belgium and beyond.
Future Prospects
At just 29 years old, Matz Sels still has many years ahead of him in his footballing career. With his talent and work ethic, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a mark on the sport and achieve even greater success in the coming years. Whether it’s at club level or with the national team, Sels will be a player to watch for fans and pundits alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Matz Sels is a rising star in Belgian football who has already achieved great success at a young age. With his impressive physical attributes and exceptional goalkeeping skills, Sels has proven himself as one of the top players in his position. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, there is no doubt that Sels will leave an indelible mark on the sport and inspire future generations of goalkeepers.
