An international break is underway, with Premier League stars lined up.
West Ham defender Aaron Wang Vissaka accepted his first call to play for Dr. Congo after being snubbed by the UK for many years. Wanbisaka, 27, represented both countries at the youth level, but he played quite a lot of games in the UK.
The Irons’ right back was frequently tilted for the three Lions to make their debuts during Gareth Southgate tenure. Wan-Bissaka won praise following his £50 million move to Manchester United in 2019, and was welcomed as the best fullback in the Premier League among defense.
However, Southgate was blessed with optional gluttony for a right-back position. Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Reese James are all fighting for the place. “It’s an area of pitch where we are blessed,” the English boss explained in November 2020.
“Aaron is a very good defender and perhaps as I’ve seen, he’s against a good defender, but I have to look at the balance of the team and there’s a player ahead of him now.”
Born in Croydon to Congo’s parents, there have always been suggestions that Wanbisaka choose to play for Dr. Congo. However, in 2019, the former Crystal Palace star suggested that he was not interested in representing the African country.
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“The purpose is the UK,” Wang Bisaka told Evening Standard. “I am happy to play with England and represent England, and that is what I am continuing to do.
“My goal is to continue playing and improving, and by improving, it doesn’t notice it and it gives me a chance.
Six years later, Wan-Bissaka changed his stance. The 27-year-old is recently eligible to play for Dr. Congo, and on Wednesday West Ham announced he had accepted his first call.
Wan-Bissaka is linked with the Sebastien Desabre team ahead of the two World Cup qualifiers. Dr. Congo was in South Sudan on Friday before welcoming Senegal to Kinshasa, the capital of Kinshasa next Tuesday.
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If Wan-Bissaka makes his debut for Dr. Congo and locks his eligibility, he joins many British-born players and plays in other countries. Scott Matminai is Scotland’s mainstay, Matty Cash is part of the Polish team, with Antony Robinson performing in the US and Matt Orly representing Denmark.
Dr. Congo is currently the first to sit in the group, playing six out of 10 matches. If they were to hold the top spot, the leopard would be eligible for the first time in 1974 as Zaire.
Wan-Bissaka was an unused replacement in West Ham’s 3-0 victory in a much needed 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday. He began opening two games, both of which were defeated.
West Ham paid United £15 million in August 2024 to sign Wanbisaka. He made 38 appearances under managers Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, scoring two goals and registering five assists.
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