Romeo Vermant has rediscovered his joy for football with the Belgium U21s. The 22-year-old Club Brugge attacker endured a difficult period at his club, where he was often limited to brief substitute appearances.

Vermant made his senior debut for Belgium last November, but saw his playing time at Club Brugge diminish this season. Nicolo Tresoldi, who has scored three goals in seven appearances this term, took his starting spot. Vermant's last competitive goal for the club dates back to 6 April in a 4-2 win over Anderlecht.

Regained confidence

With the Young Devils, he received trust during the recent international break. He provided an assist in the 1-0 win over Wales and won a penalty against Belarus, converted by Norman Bassette. "I have found peace in my head again," Vermant said. He added that he and strike partner Bassette are working hard to create chances and could have scored more with better luck.

The player acknowledges his limited role at Club Brugge affected him. "I sometimes came on for one, two, three, or four minutes," he explained. That uncertainty faded through regular play with the U21s. "Being here with the youth team has also given me the chance to get back to myself and find pleasure on the pitch again, because I had perhaps lost that a bit."

Failed transfer

In late August, Club Brugge rejected a bid of around fifteen million euros from Strasbourg for Vermant. The player says he doesn't dwell on it anymore. "Once that story is closed and it becomes clear you're staying at Club Brugge, you have to be able to let it go and try to move on," he responded. He emphasises his full focus is now on his current employer.

Club Brugge currently sit third in the Jupiler Pro League with 18 points from seven games. Nicky Hayen's team won their last two league matches 3-1 against Antwerp and 3-0 against Genk. The full standings are available online.

Vermant hopes his regained form will also improve his chances at Club Brugge. He believes in the 'ketchup bottle theory' and hopes it will open soon. His next opportunity to score for his club comes on 10 October when Club Brugge visit 14th-placed RAAL La Louvière. Preparations for that match can be tracked via the fixtures page.

The report in full is at HLN Voetbal