Antwerp ended the season with a surprising choice in goal. Not regular starter Taishi Nozawa, but debutant Niels Devalckeneer stood between the posts against Westerlo. The decision by Antwerp immediately sparked speculation. Nozawa was on the verge of earning a 50,000 euro bonus if he would keep his tenth clean sheet of the season against KVC Westerlo. Antwerp did keep a clean sheet, but it was with Devalckeneer in goal. As a result, Nozawa missed out on the substantial bonus. According to interim coach Faris Haroun, the last match day was the ideal moment to give young talent a chance. Devalckeneer made the switch from Lierse SK to Antwerp in 2018 and has grown into a regular goalkeeper for the Young Reds over the past seasons. Haroun calls the debut a logical next step. Within Antwerp, there is a lot of faith in Devalckeneer. His contract was already extended to 2028 earlier this year, with an option for an extra season. Much will depend on the future of Nozawa. The Japanese player grew into one of the absolute stars at Antwerp this season and kept his team afloat several times with strong performances. His saves against the likes of KRC Genk and RAAL La Louviere also drew attention abroad. As a result, a transfer this summer does not seem to be ruled out. Devalckeneer has now played his first minutes and has immediately kept a clean sheet. It's a good time to see if he becomes the new number one. Antwerp has faith in its youth development and is not afraid to bring in the talent that is available here.