Belgium: Alexander Hendrickx Speaks Out On Harm, Comeback, And Nationwide Crew Choice

Hendrickx: “Absurd that we don’t have any Dutch internationals”

He was the largest unfortunate participant over the last World Cup. Alexander Hendrickx needed to withdraw from Belgium’s final group match attributable to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. For per week, the frank defender has been again on the sector at his membership, Pinoké, the place he’s greater than welcome.

“And he’s again, with quantity 16… Alexanderrr Hennndrickx!” echoed throughout the Pinoké discipline on Sunday afternoon round 4 o’clock. Hendrickx had simply made the decisive purpose in opposition to the resurgent HGC. His 2-0, two minutes earlier than time, earned Pinoké their first victory of 2023. They have been hungry for a win, which was absent the week earlier than throughout Hendrickx’s comeback in opposition to Klein Zwitserland (2-2).

The highlight was again on the Antwerp nook knowledgeable on Sunday. Instantly after the ultimate whistle, he was led to Viaplay’s cameras. With sweat nonetheless on his brow, he analyzed his purpose with Teun de Nooijer. The stroll to the clubhouse earned him pats on the again and excessive fives, which the defender acquired with a smile.

Remembrance of a scar “Such a house recreation, it’s been a very long time for me,” he stated contentedly. “I really feel good,” whereas his gaze instantly went to his knee. His contentious physique half that prematurely ended his World Cup. There’s nonetheless tape round it. A reminder of a current scar. “That tape has the form of a cruciate ligament,” Hendrickx stated. “It’s purely further safety in case somebody bumps into it. Final week it was wrapped thicker, in order that’s additionally going nicely. They suggested me to stroll with this for the primary month. Nicely, then I’ll do this.”

He now not feels any ache in his knee, which saved him sidelined for nearly two months. “In coaching, I’m a bit extra cautious in one-on-one duels. Generally, clumsy issues occur there. Final week, a younger man within the Belgian staff ran full on me throughout coaching. You get a little bit scared, but it surely additionally provides you confidence that you just don’t really feel any ache.” With a smile, he added, “Within the recreation, I take all of the dangers. I don’t even give it some thought.”

His ideas flashed again to India. Rourkela, to be precise. In a raging hockey temple, 20,000 individuals held their breath as Hendrickx was knocked over by an interceptor throughout Belgium’s first nook of the group stage match in opposition to Japan. “Then the lights went out,” stated the 2021 Olympic champion. “I keep in mind wanting to face up, and it didn’t work. That’s once I knew it was over. And it took a very long time earlier than it was formally introduced.”

Smoke display Hendrickx explains how a smoke display was created round his damage. “The following day, I couldn’t even stroll. However the outdoors world couldn’t know that it was over for me. The thought behind it was that opponents would analyze my nook and never Tom Boon’s. On reflection, that wasn’t very nice for me. The Belgian press additionally speculated about my state of affairs. They noticed me doing workout routines with the physio, after which the information was that I used to be again in coaching. I acquired congratulations as a result of apparently it wasn’t that unhealthy. I might have most well-liked to offer readability immediately.

The criticism just isn’t restricted to the absence of Pinoké gamers within the Dutch nationwide staff. Hendrickx additionally believes that the Dutch league is changing into more and more worldwide. ‘When you take a look at the groups, a number of international gamers are enjoying right here. That’s advantageous, however you’ll be able to’t examine the extent of hockey within the Netherlands with the extent in Belgium. I feel that if there are two equally good gamers, it is best to select the Dutch one. However I don’t assume that’s at all times occurring now.’

Hendrickx’s focus is now totally on Pinoké. He hopes to assist his staff qualify for the play-offs within the Tulp Hoofdklasse Dames. ‘We’re getting higher and higher, and I really feel good bodily. I wish to play as many matches as attainable and assist Pinoké obtain their targets. It’s necessary that we maintain successful, and we now have to take it recreation by recreation. However I’m assured that we are able to attain the play-offs.’

Hendrickx’s return to the sector is a welcome sight for Pinoké and Belgian hockey followers alike. He’s a proficient and passionate participant who at all times provides his all on the sector. Whether or not he’s scoring targets or defending the purpose, Hendrickx is a drive to be reckoned with.