Kevin had already made a name for himself at KRC Genk, but the call to represent Belgium at the under-21 level brought a new kind of excitement and pressure. At nineteen, wearing the national jersey for the first time was both a dream realized and a challenge he had never faced before. The camp was held in a modern training facility, but Kevin immediately noticed how intense and competitive it was. Every player was talented, disciplined, and hungry to impress, and every training session was conducted at a level far higher than anything he had experienced even with Genk's senior squad.
The first training session was overwhelming. Players shouted instructions, drills moved quickly, and the physical demand was immense. Kevin reminded himself to stay calm, rely on his intelligence, and observe everything around him. Every movement, every run, every shift in position was carefully analyzed. Kevin quickly understood that football at the international level required a combination of skill, vision, and adaptability. It was not enough to rely on talent alone; mental acuity and anticipation became as important as technique.
Kevin's natural intelligence on the pitch set him apart. He could anticipate the movement of defenders, time passes perfectly, and see runs that other players did not notice. His coaches praised him for his ability to control tempo and link defense and attack. Even when the sessions became physically exhausting, Kevin maintained composure and focus, often pushing himself beyond what seemed possible. Between drills, he studied teammates, noting tendencies, movement patterns, and positioning. He also observed his own performance critically, scribbling notes and diagrams in his ever-present notebook, ensuring that every session contributed to his development.
Off the pitch, life at national camp was a mixture of excitement and adjustment. Kevin was away from home, balancing academics, personal routines, and intense football schedules. Meals, rest, and recovery were strictly timed, leaving little free time. Despite the challenges, Kevin adapted quickly, establishing a disciplined routine that included additional self-practice in the evenings. He often stayed late, visualizing scenarios he had observed during training, rehearsing passes and positioning in his mind. These private hours of reflection were essential, allowing him to internalize lessons and sharpen his decision-making.
The first international match was a test of nerves and skill. Kevin felt the weight of expectation as he stepped onto the pitch, surrounded by teammates he barely knew and opponents who had already made names for themselves. From the first whistle, he focused on observation and anticipation. Every movement was deliberate; every pass calculated. Kevin's composure under pressure impressed coaches and teammates alike. He orchestrated play from midfield, controlling the tempo and creating opportunities for forwards. At the final whistle, the team had achieved victory, and Kevin felt a quiet satisfaction, knowing that his preparation, focus, and intelligence had allowed him to perform at a level far beyond what others might have expected from someone his age.
The success with the U21 squad opened the door to a senior team call-up. Kevin was nineteen when he received the invitation to train with Belgium's top players. The senior environment was daunting: seasoned internationals with years of experience, some of them stars of top European leagues. Kevin approached each session with quiet focus, observing the pace, intensity, and expectations. He quickly adapted, using intelligence and composure to match the speed and physicality of senior international football. Coaches noted his ability to maintain calm under pressure and to anticipate the flow of play, even in fast and chaotic situations.
Representing Belgium at both youth and senior levels instilled pride and a sense of responsibility. Kevin understood that every pass, every tackle, every decision had significance. The experience sharpened his tactical understanding and exposed him to diverse playing styles, strengthening his adaptability. Off the pitch, he remained disciplined and focused, balancing rigorous training with reflection, study, and preparation. These early international experiences were critical, building the foundation of Kevin's identity as a player capable of performing at the highest levels of the game.