Youri Tielemans
VillaCM (AM)
Box-to-Box
May 7, 1997 (29)
Right
5'10"
159 lb
Makes United move
Tielemans completed a transfer to Manchester United from Aston Villa, the club announced Tuesday.
Analysis: Tielemans had a release clause for clubs in the Premier League and it was activated, leading to a quick transfer. The midfielder is now on the way to Old Trafford, where he should be an immediate difference-maker in the center of the park. Tielemans was excellent for Aston Villa, playing a huge role whenever fit since making his switch to Villa. Injury issues have hampered him at times, and he makes the move to United with a nagging hamstring issue currently limiting him in pre-season.
Reveals injury setback
Tielemans confirmed he was unable to play through his injury after being withdrawn from Belgium's lineup ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal against Spain, per RTBF. "Unfortunately, when the body says stop, you can't force anything"
Analysis: Tielemans was initially named in Belgium's starting XI before being removed prior to kickoff due to an injury sustained during the pre-match warmup. While the exact nature of the issue remains undisclosed, the midfielder suggested his body had reached its limit after an intense tournament schedule. His absence was a significant blow for Belgium, given his importance as a box-to-box midfielder and creative presence alongside Kevin De Bruyne. His status will continue to be monitored as further details on the injury emerge.
Late scratch vs. Spain
Tielemans has been removed from Belgium's starting lineup ahead of Friday's match against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, John Ferreira of BEIN Sports France reports.
Analysis: While the specifics aren't clear, Tielemans suffered an undisclosed injury during warm-ups since and expressed discomfort, so he was removed from the XI despite the fact that he'd been announced in the original starting lineup. This is a huge blow for Belgium since Tielemans is a creative, box-to-box presence in midfield. Hans Vanaken will take his place in midfield, slotting in midfield next to Kevin De Bruyne and Nicolas Raskin.
Well-rounded showing in USA tilt
Tielemans won two of three tackles and had two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Monday's 4-1 win over USA.
Analysis: Tielemans wasn't as brilliant as in the previous match, where he had a brace, but he was a sound contributor nonetheless and made his presence felt on both ends, frequently pulling the strings in the midfield throughout the game. He has taken at least one shot in five consecutive tilts, totaling 11 (three on target) and registering eight chances created, 15 crosses (three accurate) and seven tackles (six won) during that stretch.
Nets brace to advance Red Devils
Tielemans scored two goals to go with four shots (two on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Wednesday's 3-2 victory against Senegal.
Analysis: Tielemans would play a huge part in Wednesday's win after a very quiet first half, with the midfielder coming alive for a goal in the 89th minute to force extra time before drawing and scoring a penalty kick in the 125th minute to win the contest. This gives him his first goal contributions of the tournament, recording nine shots and seven chances created thus far. He should remain in a starting role for the round of 16, although he could see a bit more of an advanced role after finding success in that spot in the latter parts of Wednesday's win.
Not impactful in win
Tielemans had one shot (zero on goal) in Friday's 5-1 win over New Zealand.
Analysis: Tielemans partnered Hans Vanaken in Belgium's double pivot and helped dictate the tempo as the Red Devils controlled long stretches of Friday's 5-1 win over New Zealand. He was on the field for nearly the entire match and played his part in a dominant Belgian display that generated 35 shots, their third-highest total in a World Cup match on record, though he had a relatively quiet outing individually with just one shot contribution, which wasn't on target. Tielemans and Belgium finished atop Group G with the convincing victory and now head into the Round of 32 with plenty of momentum.
Creative force in midfield
Tielemans recorded two shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Iran.
Analysis: Tielemans was one of Belgium's more active midfielders in Sunday's goalless draw with Iran, registering two shots (one on target), three key passes and four crosses (one accurate) across 90 minutes in a box-to-box role that demanded both defensive screening and attacking contribution against an Iran side that sat in a deep 5-4-1 block throughout. His most significant contribution came in the first half when his powerful near-post drive forced Alireza Beiranvand into Belgium's first meaningful save of the match, setting the tone for a contest that would ultimately be defined by the Iranian goalkeeper's brilliance. His energy and ability to arrive late into dangerous areas make him an important creative outlet from midfield, and a more clinical performance in the final third will be critical against New Zealand if Belgium are to avoid an early World Cup exit.
Active role in midfield
Tielemans had two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Monday's 1-1 draw against Egypt.
Analysis: Tielemans played a disciplined and energetic role in Monday's 1-1 draw with Egypt, registering two shots off-target and four crosses (one accurate) from a deep midfield position that required him to both protect the backline and contribute in the attacking transition throughout a match his side dominated in possession but struggled to convert. The Aston Villa midfielder covered significant ground and was involved in multiple sequences that created half-chances for Kevin de Bruyne and Leandro Trossard, providing the connecting link between the defensive and offensive phases in a 4-2-3-1 that failed to click at the right moments. His energy and ball-winning ability from a deep role give Belgium an important platform to build from, and his consistency across the next group games will be central to whether the Red Devils can find the rhythm their squad quality demands.
Key midfield role at World Cup
Tielemans shapes up as one of the most well-rounded midfield options heading into the 2026 World Cup, having been named in Belgium's squad as a key component of coach Rudi Garcia's three-man midfield.
Analysis: Tielemans arrives at the tournament in excellent form and full confidence after a standout season with Aston Villa, contributing two goals and seven assists alongside 50 key passes as the club lifted the Europa League title and secured Champions League qualification for next season. His passing range, delivery from wide areas and ability to arrive late into the box make him a versatile and dangerous presence in the midfield, capable of both dictating play and contributing directly to goals. At international level, he forms a natural and complementary trio alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Amadou Onana, offering the perfect blend of creativity, defensive solidity and box-to-box energy, as he operates as the link between both through intelligent movement, technical quality and a sharp eye for the killer pass. Belgium's midfield has rarely looked as balanced and experienced heading into a major tournament, and his role as the connector in that unit makes him one of the more underrated picks for the summer.
Notches two chances created
Tielemans registered one shot (one on goal), two crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 2-1 win against Manchester City.
Analysis: Tielemans would only appear off the bench Sunday after some rotation, with the midfielder appearing for 17 minutes. That said, he would also have a solid two-way effort, recording one shot, two chances created and two crosses in the attack to go along with two tackles won and one clearance in the defense. The midfielder ends the season without a goal, although he did earn four assists in 25 appearances (21 starts).
Opens up scoring
Tielemans scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Wednesday's 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg.
Analysis: Tielemans would open the scoring Wednesday as Aston Villa took off the win in the final, finding the back of the net in the 41st minute. This is his first goal in some time, as his last was also in UEL play against Basel on Dec. 11. He ends his UEL campaign with two goals and three assists in nine appearances (seven starts).
Five crosses Sunday
Tielemans generated five crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Tielemans recorded five crosses in Sunday's loss, though he failed to record an accurate cross or chance created in the loss. He also did not take a single shot. He was slightly more active on the defensive end, recording one tackle, two interceptions and one clearance across his 90 minutes of action.
Scores, two assists
Tielemans recorded two assists on four chances created in Thursday's 3-1 win over Bologna.
Analysis: Tielemans returned to the starting XI before he was only a bench option in his return from injury before the international break. He would do well in his time on the field, notching two assists that would help lead his team to a win. He should remain in a starting role moving forward after the around two-month absence, as he has started in 15 of his 18 appearances this season while recording four assists in league play.
Returns to bench
Tielemans (ankle) is on the bench for Sunday's match against West Ham.
Analysis: Tielemans was a late call for Sunday but has come through on the right side of his testing, with the midfielder an option from the bench. He will likely test his legs before working back into the starting XI over the next game or two, starting in 15 of his 17 appearances this season to go along with four assists.
Will be assessed
Tielemans (ankle) will be assessed and could be an option to play Sunday against West Ham, according to manager Unai Emery. "He has started to train with us, individually he did one progression until today. Today is the first time he trained with us and he's feeling good. He's important. I don't know if he's going to be in the squad for Sunday. In case he is, try to progressively get him again with us."
Analysis: Tielemans hasn't played for Villa since Jan. 25, but his return to training means he has an outside chance to play over the weekend, even in a limited capacity and off the bench. Tielemans should eventually recover a starting role once he's fit and ready to play, but for now, he might be an option off the bench with the international break just around the corner. The midfielder has four assists, 17 shots and 26 chances created in 17 appearances (15 starts) in the current Premier League campaign.
Working individually
Tielemans (ankle) is working individually and is pushing to join team training, according to manager Unai Emery. "Youri Tielemans is progressing well, but there's still time to work individually to join us."
Analysis: Tielemans is progressing through his recovery, with the midfielder having missed the past month of action. However, he is back in individual training, now pushing to join team training. With a return not expected until after the international break, he will still have a few more weeks to recover and build fitness to make a clear return.
Expected out two months
Tielemans is set to be out eight-to-10 weeks with an ankle injury, according to manager Unai Emery.
Analysis: Tielemans suffered the injury Sunday and it's the worst of news for Villa given the injuries to Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn. Given the timeline, a return in April seems most likely, which puts a damper on their success campaign. Villa will likely add a new piece or two in the transfer window while everyone recovers. It also means extensive playing time for Lamara Bogarde and Amadou Onana in the midfield going forward.
Expected to miss several weeks
Tielemans is expected to face an extended period on the sidelines with an ankle injury, according to Jacob Tanswell from The Athletic.
Analysis: Tielemans suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's victory against Newcastle United and is expected to miss an extended period on the sidelines while recovering. The midfielder is expected to return after John McGinn (knee), who is expected to miss around six weeks due to injury. The Belgian will undergo further scans on Thursday to determine whether the initial assessments were correct and to establish the precise extent of the injury. Tielemans has been an undisputed starter for the Villains this season, therefore his absence is a blow for the squad, as he will have to be replaced in the middle of the pitch, with Lamare Bogarde emerging as a likely option to take his spot until the club signs a new midfielder.
Off with ankle injury
Tielemans was forced off in the 75th minute of Sunday's match against Newcastle due to an apparent ankle injury.
Analysis: Tielemans was taken down numerous times Sunday, and after receiving some attention following a tackle from behind, an ankle injury forced him off. That said, the hope will be that this is a cautious move to preserve the midfielder, already without John McGinn (knee) and Boubacar Kamara (knee) long-term. With a midweek UEL match against Salzburg on Thursday, an update regarding his status should come quickly.
Sets up goal in win
Tielemans assisted once to go with four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 3-1 victory against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Tielemans fed the ball to John McGinn off a fast break, who buried a shot from outside the box to take a 3-1 lead in the 73rd minute of play. This marked the third assist in five games for Tielemans, who is now up to four assists on the season. This also marked the 10th consecutive league appearance where he accounted for at least one chance created, totaling 14 chances created over that span.
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