Having written himself a few lines in the script of the Premier League season so far, it is on the international stage that Adnan Januzaj has caused a bit of turbulence this term. The 18-year-old is certainly not short of options when it comes to his future national team...
Belgian-born, parented by Kosovar-Albanians, and becoming ever closer to his six year spell in England, choices are at a premium. In fact, five countries are fighting for his pledged commitment, amongst them being Serbia, Albania, Serbia and (it is rumoured) in the long term ? England.
However, it is a country not licensed by FIFA and one which is adorned by only 2 million inhabitants, that appears in pole position to obtain the services of the youngster. Having Albania, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia as its raucous footballing land lockers, Kosovo is the nation where Januzaj envisages his international football to be played.
Donning a league to its national football scene, Superliga, Kosovo has 12 competitive teams. However no team has eligibility to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, as they are not recognised by UEFA as well as FIFA.
This lack of development in Kosovo football has led to frustration from Belgium Head Coach Marc Wilmots, who selected the winger for this recent international break. However, despite the flattering selection, Januzaj shunned the offer, with his club side Manchester United adding ?Januzaj has not made a decision to play for a national team yet?.
In reply, Wilmots made the stern but vague comment, ?It is impossible to negotiate with me?.
Whether or not Januzaj opts for life in the emerging Belgium side, a struggle with Kosovo, or a battle in Eastern Europe, whichever team he treads the pitch for in the future; they sure do have a headline act on their hands.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG