AXEL WITSEL NEWS

Returns to starting XI Witsel had one tackle (one won), three clearances and three interceptions in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Villarreal.

Impact Witsel was selected as a member of the Atletico Madrid starting XI Saturday for the first time since November as they played to a 1-1 draw versus Villarreal. The central defender equipped himself admirably in his return, leading the team with three clearances and three interceptions while making one block. With Clement Lenglet due to return from his one match ban and Javi Galan targeting the Madrid derby in early Feb. for his return, Witsel will have to continue to put forth high caliber performances to maintain his place in Atleti's lineup.

JANUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Sets up equalizer Sunday Witsel assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 3-1 victory against Leganes.

Impact Witsel registered the assist that led to Atletico's equalizer in the second half, as the Belgian defender prevented a ball from leaving the field with a pass to the middle of the six-yard box without knowing that Alexander Sorloth would slot it home with a magnificent backheel. Witsel's move to a center-back role has limited his fantasy upside even more, and he should earn most of his value via stats such as tackles, clearances and interceptions going forward.

OCTOBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Earns bench spot Witsel (groin) is on the bench for Monday's match against France.

Impact Witsel is finally back in the squad after missing all of their group stage matches, as he lines up on the bench Monday. The defender will hope to earn some time on the field, as this could be his final Euro match ever if they lose, with him having come out of international team retirement to participate in Germany.

JULY 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Eyeing round of 16 for return Witsel (groin) is looking to make a return against France on Monday, according to manager Domenico Tedesco, per Belga of Le Soir. We must follow his evolution day after day since h...

Impact Witsel has not featured in a single Euro 2024 match after injuring his groin but now appears to be close to a return, as the team is monitoring his availability heading into the round of 16. This would be a huge addition to the team after their disappointing start to the tournament, as he was likely to be a starter. He is starting to train, which brings confidence he could be fit for Monday's match, although it will probably come down to a late fitness test.

JUNE 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out as expected Witsel (groin) is out for Wednesday's match against Ukraine.

Impact Witsel has yet to train since Euro 2024 started, so it is no surprise he has been left out once again. He will hope for a rise in fitness in the coming days and try to make a return for the round of 16, although that looks to be slim at the moment, with a return likely still being at least a week away.

JUNE 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Has yet to train Witsel (groin) has yet to rejoin group training as of Monday and is still being monitored by medical staff, leaving him doubtful for Wednesday's match against Ukraine, according to...

Impact Witsel continues to have a huge question mark hanging over him heading into Belgium's closing group stage match, as he has yet to compete due to injury and seems likely to miss yet another game. This situation continues to turn worse and worse for the team, as he was set to see a decent amount of minutes, and they would like him to feature in their decisive match against Ukraine. It will probably come down to a late fitness test, but at the moment, his chances to appear seem slim.

JUNE 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Aggravates injury, out Saturday Witsel (undisclosed) is out for Saturday's match against Romania, according to manager Domenico Tedesco, per Sacha Tavolieri.

Impact Witsel was first thought to have been an option for Saturday after training Friday. However, plans have now changed after he suffered a relapse in training, as he will now miss their second group stage match. This is a tough blow for the team and player as they fight an uphill battle to make the round of 16, with his main focus now being fit to help his team face Ukraine on Wednesday.

JUNE 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Fit for Saturday Witsel (undisclosed) is fit and an option for Saturday's match against Romania, per Maxime Berger of RTBF.

Impact Witsel had to miss out on the clash with Slovakia as he was still rehabbing from an injury. Zeno Koen Debast got the start Monday at center back, but will likely move back to the bench, depending on Witsel's fitness. He recorded 30 starts in 35 appearance with Atletico Madrid last season, totaling 110 clearances with 11 clean sheets.

JUNE 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Adds another year to contract Witsel has agreed on a one year contract extension with the team, keeping him in Spanish Capital until 2025.

Impact Witsel joined the team from Dortmund in 2022, completing his second season with Atletico. He's recorded 70 starts in 84 appearances in all competitions, totaling two goals and one assist while generating 216 clearances, 84 tackles (50 won) and 49 blocks. He capped off another campaign as a starter at center back, with the veteran defender set for another year with the side.

JUNE 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Excellent in new position Witsel made 35 appearances (30 starts) in La Liga, scoring twice.

Impact Witsel completed his move to center-back taking a full time role in the middle of a back three, and was exceptional. The defender was so good he's now earned a call up back into the Belgian national team. Witsel has less offensive upside in the back line, of course, but he impressed and could see an extension with Atletico Madrid after another season with big minutes.

MAY 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

De Bruyne to lead Belgium at Euro 2024 with unretired Witsel

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will lead a rejuvenated Belgium side including a once-retired Axel Witsel at the European Championship next month

MAY 28, 2024 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Keeps clean sheet Sunday Witsel had two tackles (two won), six clearances and one interception in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Celta Vigo. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 72nd minute.

Impact Wiesel recorded a clean sheet Sunday, his ninth in the league this season. He helped keep Celta Vigo to just two shots on target as he contributed two tackles, one interception and six clearances in his full 90 minutes of action.

MAY 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Keeps clean sheet Sunday Witsel had two tackles (two won), six clearances and one interception in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Celta Vigo. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 72nd minute.

Impact Wiesel recorded a clean sheet Sunday, his ninth in the league this season. He helped keep Celta Vigo to just two shots on target as he contributed two tackles, one interception and six clearances in his full 90 minutes of action.

MAY 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in win over Villarreal Witsel scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Monday's 2-1 victory versus Villarreal.

Impact Witsel opened the scoring for Atletico Madrid inside the opening 10 minutes, as the towering center-back nodded home a perfect cross from Rodrigo Riquelme. Witsel's aerial ability has also been an asset for his teams, and Atletico won't be the exception. However, he'll earn most of his fantasy value through defensive stats going forward.

APRIL 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Lynchpin defensively Witsel had four tackles (three won) and two clearances in Sunday's 2-1 victory versus Betis.

Impact Witsel was crucial to Atleti retaining their advantage and earning three points from Sunday's 2-1 victory over Real Betis. After appearing as a substitute in the team's previous match, WItsel was selected to the starting XI Sunday. His stout defensive performance took the shape of four tackles (three won) and two clearances. WItsel offers plenty to his team defensively, but he rarely threatens the opponent's goal going forward. He has not scored more than twice in a campaign since he scored four times for Broussard Dortmund during the 2019-2020 campaign.

MARCH 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Very busy against INter Witsel recorded one tackle (zero won), three blocks and seven clearances and four interceptions in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan.

Impact Witsel was very stout and muscular in the back, piling up stats, but his showing wasn't enough to stymie the opponents completely. He has made the XI in four of the last five contests, notching 19 clearances, four interceptions and seven blocks.

FEBRUARY 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Rare goal Witsel scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 3-1 victory versus Villarreal.

Impact Witsel scored his first goal for Atletico Madrid, while recording his first since 2021. From the defense he is averaging about 2.1 clearances per game after totaling 20 in the last seven contests.

NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Solid defensive play Witsel had one tackle (zero won) and four clearances in Saturday's 3-0 win over Celta Vigo.

Impact Witsel held his duties defensively and assisted on an attempt on goal in the 43rd minute. He totals three tackles won, five interceptions, four blocks and 24 clearances through eight appearances on the season. He also has a total of 450 passes completed and two chances created.

OCTOBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Playing as center-back Witsel has made two starts during the 2023/24 Liga campaign and both have come as a center-back, racking up one shot, one chance created, seven clearances, three blocked shots, thr...

Impact Witsel has spent most of his career playing as a central midfielder for both club and country, but given his traits, it's not surprising to see him move into a role on central defense, where his instincts, ball-playing ability and height suit quite well. Given manager Diego Simeone has already said he envisions Witsel as a defender, he's expected to continue in that center-back role going forward.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Eligible for selection Witsel is eligible for selection after serving a one-match ban.

Impact Witsel was sent off during the final match of the 2022-23 season but is now eligible to return once more. The midfielder could see an immediate starting role due to the injury Koke (thigh) sustained during the opening match.

AUGUST 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Sent off Sunday Witsel was shown a red card in the second half of Sunday's match against Villarreal.

Impact Witsel was shown the red card in the 71st minute forcing Atleti down to ten men. His first season in Spain ends with five clean sheets in 33 La Liga appearances (25 starts) mostly in a back-three rather than his more natural defensive midfield position. The 34-year-old will miss the first game of the next campaign through suspension.

JUNE 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Axel Witsel quits international soccer, ends 15-year career with Belgium

Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel is the latest member of Belgium’s so-called Golden Generation to end his international career

MAY 12, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Retires from international team Witsel announced on social media Friday that he is retiring from the Belgium National Team.

Impact Witsel totaled 12 goals and eight assists in 130 caps for Belgium since making his debut in March 2008, including one goal and 22 appearances across five major tournaments in World Cups and European Championships from 2014-2022. The 34-year-old is now fully focusing on his club career, where he's made 28 La Liga appearances (20 starts) either in midfield or central defense during his rookie season with Atletico Madrid.

MAY 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starts in second straight match Witsel registered two tackles (one won), one clearance and one interception in Sunday's 1-0 defeat against Barcelona.

Impact Witsel has gotten the start in the last two matches after only starting twice in his previous eight games played. He can bounce from both the center midfield and defense, plus with Stefan Savic suffering a broken toe, this can open the door for Witsel for more starts in the starting XI.

APRIL 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Belgium coach Tedesco drops Witsel in 1st team selection

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco dropped veteran midfielder Axel Witsel when he named his first squad since being appointed last month

MARCH 17, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS