Gillis leads with maturity

Defeated 4-0 by Germany, Belgium did not begin the UEFA European Under-17 Championship as they would have wanted. "We were very nervous," captain Cor Gillis admitted to uefa.com.

Difficult start
The centre-back knows that better than anyone, as it was he who scored the first goal of the tournament - in his own net. "I didn't give myself time to think about this incident," he said. "I had to refocus on the game." That was in vain as Germany cruised on, and two days later Belgium were seconds from victory when Serbia and Montenegro struck a last-gasp equaliser to keep Gillis's side bottom of Group B with one game left.

'Great tournament'
But, as Belgium aim to defeat the Czech Republic tomorrow and put themselves in line for a semi-final place, the RSC Anderlecht player says he is proud to be in Luxembourg. "It's a great tournament, the best are here," he said, explaining that the standard here is higher even than in the senior reserve league in Belgium.

Abrams impressed
Coach Eric Abrams is in no doubts about Gillis's quality, and entrusts him with messages he has to give to the team. "He is excellent with in the air, which is vital today for a defender," Abrams said. "But most of all he has a good attitude." Gillis is certainly focused always on improving his game. "I have to improve in all aspects, especially speed," he said.

Leadership role
His has taken his role of captain to heart. "I'm bilingual [in Flemish and French], so I can give advice to all my team-mates," Gillis said. "It's something I do naturally." Anderlecht were impressed enough to sign Gillis aged 12, from the small suburban town of Zellik.

Professional dream
As soon as he joined the Belgian giants, Gillis set his sights on a successful career. "I used to play only for pleasure, without thinking of the future," he said. "Now, becoming a professional player is a dream. My semi-professional contract and my education will end in spring 2007. When that time comes, I'll see what happens." He is keen to break through at Anderlecht, a dream that made his turn down an approach from RC Lens two years ago.

Kompany example
"I hope to play in Anderlecht's first team in the next two of three years," admits Gillis. "I think they trust me there." The example of Vincent Kompany, established in Anderlecht's central defense at 17, proves that the club will not hesitate to give Gillis his chance if he deserves it. "Kompany is of course a model for me," Gillis adds. "I sometimes train with him. I also like John Terry." Indeed, the English top-flight is his favourite along with the Dutch Eredivisie.

Team focus
Furthermore, Gillis is aware that he is one of the players that the scouts at the U17 finals are keeping a close eye on, but results are paramount. "We know that big clubs are watching, but it's only if we think of the team that our performances will be good," Gillis said. "We have played together for two years and now we have become friends. A qualification for the last four would be a great reward."