It was a defining moment that captured the newfound confidence coursing through Charles de Ketelaere’s veins. During his stint at AC Milan, the Belgian maestro might have settled for the routine, controlling the ball with his back to the goal before playing it back into midfield.
But this is a different Charles de Ketelaere, in a different team, and brimming with a renewed sense of vigor.
With scarcely a hesitation, Atalanta’s summer acquisition flicked the ball into the air and unleashed a breathtaking volley into the top corner. A finish so exquisite, so effortless, it could rival the finest efforts of Francesco Totti or Paulo di Canio.
Charles de Ketelaere hits top gear again
“He’s undeniably one of Belgium’s finest talents in recent years,” Georges Leekens, former coach of the Belgian national team, tells Sport Italia. “(Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini) has rejuvenated his confidence. At Milan, doubt clouded his mind, and the joy vanished from his face. Now, he’s often seen smiling on the pitch. He enjoys himself, believes in his abilities.
“From here, the sky’s the limit. After his stint at Atalanta, he’s better equipped to perform at a higher level, and I’m confident he’ll take another leap forward towards elite teams.”
Just two months ago, De Ketelaere was enduring a barren spell of two goals in 57 games. A woeful return for a player who, had Milan not intervened, might have become Leeds United’s costliest signing in history. The Yorkshire club’s £35 million bid during the summer of 2022 was public knowledge, courtesy of De Ketelaere’s former Club Brugge president Vincent Mannaert.
Fast forward to mid-February, and that sensational Genoa wonderstrike stands as De Ketelaere’s eighth goal in his last ten appearances. Coupled with four assists since the 3-2 victory over his former club AC Milan before Christmas, he’s transformed from rock bottom to the summit in just half a season at Atalanta.
Atalanta star proves Leeds United’s interest was justified
This is the Charles de Ketelaere Leeds were willing to splurge for. This is the Charles de Ketelaere who had Milan convinced they had secured European football’s next sensation.
“The magic of Brahim Diaz donning the Real Madrid shirt in the Champions League, De Ketelaere’s steady rise at Atalanta, the pivotal role of (Hakan) Calhanoglu at league leaders Inter…” laments Arrigo Sacchi, the legendary manager who guided AC Milan to two European Cups (Gazzetta dello Sport).
“Three reasons for Milan to rue, there’s no denying that.”
