Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans could be the ideal captain for Belgium, as he’s already ‘the ideal son-in-law’.
That’s according to journalist and commentator Frank Raes, via [Voetbalkrant](https://www.voetbalkrant.com/nieuws/2025-09-06/frank-raes-haalt-de-loftrompet-boven-voor-rode-duivel-bij-wijze-van-spreken-de-beste-ter-wereld), who has heaped praise on the Aston Villa man’s appointment this week.
Tielemans was confirmed as Belgium’s new permanent captain this week, after Rudi Garcia had previously cycled through various players in the role since the start of this year.
The Belgium boss made it clear that the Aston Villa midfielder had simply been the best candidate for the position and made that clear with his performances on the pitch and behind the scenes over the course of this year.
The decision was questioned in some quarters, though, with Philippe Albert debating whether it was a smart choice, particularly if Tielemans cannot hold down a starring role at Aston Villa under Unai Emery.
He, for his part, felt that there might have been better options in the squad than the 28-year-old at this moment in time.
Raes, though, sits on the other side of the fence and believes that Tielemans could be an ideal choice, and even get the best out of others.
“Tielemans is developing into a proven captain,” he said.
“He’s the ideal son-in-law, speaks his languages, comes across as polite, and also plays at a high level.
“With De Bruyne, that captaincy role felt much more forced. Representing the team went against his nature. Let De Bruyne do what he does best: play football.”