Famous Belgians

It used to be a joke that you couldn’t name any. Despite the country having a somewhat modest population the country had an unfair reputation of not producing many famous sons or daughters. As we enter the 2nd decade of the 21st  century this could all be about to change.


On Paper


As it stands Belgium have, what appears to be, a very competitive first XI on paper. For one reason or another things haven’t clicked yet and the squad are producing mediocre results, particularly on foreign soil.


That’s not to say the home form has been particularly outstanding either, the only standout result in recent years (in competitive fixtures) is a two nil win against Turkey. Defeats against Bosnia and Herzegovina, tame performances against Germany and Spain and sharing 8 goals with Austria is not really the ideal platform to big up a national football team.


The Rote Teufel do have something on a scale that many other nations around Europe cannot boast, and that’s players under the age of 25 playing in the upper echelons of the elite European leagues.


The Future


I’m hardly the first to bandy on about this subject, it was only the other day that I saw such a discussion an internet message board, but this is how I see the Rode Duivels lining up in the years to come. It’s only when you put it down on paper you realise the stacks of potential to hand:


Goalkeepers (Starter in bold)


Simon Mignolet – Sunderland - 22


The big keeper is currently at Sunderland. Although currently playing second fiddle to Craig Gordon, on the occasions he has been called to the fore-front he’s excelled well beyond his 22 years.


Defenders


Sebastian Pocognoli – Standard Liege - 23


He doesn’t sound Belgian but he’s as Belgian as they come. Born in the country to parents of Italian stock it’s hard to believe this left back is only 23. He’s been around for what seems an eternity but is surely set for a move to a bigger stage.


Toby Alderweireld – Ajax - 21


The Ajax defender is only 21. He can play anywhere across the back line but in this hypothetical team of the futre he’s going to slot in at right back.


Vincent Kompany – Manchester City – 24 - Captain


If you have read my blog before you’ll know I already tout Kompany as being of the world-class ilk, or being very close to it. I believe world-class to be the best in the world at that current position and on current form I wouldn’t replace Kompany with any other.


Thomas Vermaelen - Arsenal - 25


The big Arsenal centre back shouldn't need any introduction at this stage. If Kompany is the brains then Thomas is the brawn.


Nicolas Lombaerts - Zenit - 25


The left sided defender offers excellent cover at either centre back or left back. He's just signed a bumper 4 year deal with Zenit so he should be staying in St Petersburg for the foreseable future.


Dedryck Boyata – Manchester City – 20


Highly rated centre back that rose to fame for his heroic performance when bumped up from the youth team during City’s defensive crisis last season. Under Kompany’s tutorship and guidance at Manchester City Boyata has all the foundations in place to develop his game to the next stage.


Midfielders:


Jan Vertonghen – Ajax – 23


Seemingly on his was to join Arsenal in the future I’ve bumped the left footed centre back into a midfield anchor role that he occasionally finds himself playing at Ajax.


Steven Defour – Standard Liege – 22


Apparently a marked man by Manchester United, and if the transfer rumour columns are to believed it’s a question of when rather than if his big money move will take place. If Vertonghen is the brawn to the midfield 3 then Defour is the brains.


Marouane Fellaini – Everton – 23


Again it’s hard to believe Fellaini is 23. Already I have had to remind myself that this is a Belgian 23 and not a 23 of a nation with questionable passport and birth certificate methods. Fellanini is much more than just an aerial threat, he uses the ball well and retains it brilliantly.


Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe – Club Brugge – 21


Some might consider the defensive midfielder a flop after his year at Hamburg but he's still only 21 and has all the potential required to play at a higher level.


Jonathan Legear – Anderlecht – 23


The pacey winger has been getting rave reviews recently for his performances with Anderlecht. Pretty much nailed on to move on to either Germany or England if his form continue into the summer.


Axel Witsel – Standard Liege – 22


Although not living up to his early promise, he's still young with his best years ahead of him. Potentially a dependable squad player who would offer something different from the bench.


Strikers


Eden Hazard - Lille - 20


Everybody knows about Hazard by now, aparently soon to be another Belgian Gooner. Although he plays in a more orthodox midfield role for Lille I'd have him as one of the wide forwards in a 4-3-3 formation in this squad.


Romelu Lukaku - Anderlecht - 17


The top teenage talent in Europe at this moment in time appears to be set to join Manchester City in the summer. He's going to have the 'New Drogba' tagline droped around him for the next 10 years of his career. The big question at this stage is, can he live up to the hype?


Moussa Dembélé - Fulham - 23


He's made a good start in his Fulham career despite injuries. He's already impressed many with his performances and if Fulham should wish to cash in there's potentially already a long line of potential suitors.


2016


The European Championships in 2016 come at a good time for Belgium in more than one way. Firstly, the tournament will be expanded to 24 teams – so expect Belgium to qualify with relative ease.  Secondly it’s held in France, Belgium’s back yard – so expect a sizeable contingent of Belgian fans to cheer the team on. Lastly, of the squad listed above, Kompany will be the oldest at only 29.


They may not necessarily win the tournament but they’ve got a far better chance than their provisional odds of 150/1 suggest.


Experience


Although this squad has bags of youth it’s easy to dismiss any aspirations to falter due to a lack of experience. Unfortunately this age-old excuse doesn’t hold up in this case. It’s not unfeasible that 5 or more of the squad will have tasted Europa league or Champions league success by this time as they’re already at clubs challenging or on the brink of joining teams with realistic views of competing. The bulk of the first XI will have also played in a top flight league for the majority of their senior careers by this point too.


Experience doesn’t necessarily equal age as many football fans equate it to.


The Coach


One thing Belgium does desperately need is a manager that can not only guide these prodigious talents and nurture them into a group of winners but somebody that commands the respect of what will be a squad of multi-millionaires that will have undoubtedly won more as individuals than any Belgian coach that leads them.


If they get the right man, Belgium could have many famous sons come 2016.