Profile: The Promise of the Belgium National Team
For the past 15 years or so, we have seen Portugal, a nation of little more than 11 million people, be very competitive on the global stage. They have had two consecutive "Golden Generations" -- one led by Luis Figo, and the current one, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the next few years, we may see a similar thing happen to Belgium, another nation of around 11 million. They have a very talented group of young players based both in their home league and abroad, including two potential world beaters.
While Belgium currently sit fourth in their Euro 2012 qualifying group, the second spot looks to be up for grabs (Germany typically has first place locked down, but the two teams ahead of Belgium are Austria and a Guus Hiddink led Turkey). It wouldn't surprise me if this group of young players rose to the occasion and took it, although the youth of the team means anything could happen.
Let's take a look at these players who could signal a Belgian football renaissance.
Goalkeepers
Looking at the shot-stoppers is not a particularly inspiring way to start a survey of a potential "Golden Group." Sunderland's 22 year-old Simon Mignolet has been off and on. He has 13 starts in all competitions (more at the beginning of the season because of Craig Gordon's return) and kept 6 clean sheets. But, in a particularly bad spell, he conceded 9 goals in three games.
Another youngish option would seem to be Borussia Monchengladbach's Logan Bailly, but his concession record is appalling and 'Gladbach sit last in the league (and in the Goals Against column).
Perhaps Belgium coach Georges Leekens would be wise to rely on a more experienced keeper, with no f! uture su perstar shot-stopper in sight.
Defenders
Things begin looking up in the defense category. Manchester City's Vincent Kompany has looked good under Roberto Mancini as a center back this season. While it seemed that everyone knew he would eventually settle into a CB role, Kompany did spend a lot of time as a defensive midfielder. But now Belgium will be glad they have a real talent, not just a prospect, to partner Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen for years to come.
Ajax's Toby Alderweireld looks to have a bright future too. Normally a center back, he can play in a variety of positions, but I have a feeling that if Belgium make it to Euro 2012, we'll see him as a right back in the style of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.
Midfielders
Jan Vertonghen is another versatile Ajax player linked with moves away to larger clubs. He is a ball-playing center back who can play as a defensive midfielder like Kompany, and for Belgium he has chiefly been a midfielder.
Everton and Premier League fans in general are already familiar with Marouane Fellaini. Big and strong but also able to bring play forward, he is crucial in Belgium's future bids for major tournaments.
Manchester United fans know about Steven Defour, the Standard Liege captain and creator, but unfortunately, so does the rest of Europe. Although his foot injury slowed down a move to a big club elsewhere, with the interest he's generating this season, he's sure to leave (just maybe not for United).
In any case, a midfield trio of Fellaini, Vertonghen and Defour -- all 22 or 23 -- looks not only tough and industrious, but potentially incisive. None of them are world class playmakers, but all of them can play a good pass.
Lastly, the 21 year-old Axel Witsel, also of Standard Liege and mostly known for causing an atrocious injury, is still young and talented enough that another good season may see the midfielder's fortune wax again.
Forwards
This group is re! ally whe re Belgium are lucky. Fulham's Moussa Dembele is just the start. Though he is certainly gifted, the real prizes are Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku.
Eden Hazard is a 19 year-old attacking phenomenon at Lille. The two time Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year could become a great, as shown by his instrumental performances in Lille's recent success (the past two have given Lille European football, and the club currently sits in 2nd place).
Romelu Lukaku is, shockingly, 17 years old, but no one would guess it. Already built like a man, he also scores goals like a professional. He's wanted by almost every club in Europe due to the devastating potential he displayed by being the Belgian League's top scorer as a 16 year old. He's so young that no one is sure whether he will be a failure at the top or one of the best modern center forwards. He needs time to develop, but if and when he does, Belgium could really raise their ambition.
If Lukaku and Hazard come together in a productive way Belgium could have a terrifying attack for a decade or more. And, if Dembele improves, a third outlet won't hurt either.
Final Thoughts
Many of these players, especially the attack minded ones, are very young, and very unproven at the highest level. Those players based in the Belgian League need to move away to a tougher competition before the national team will start reaping the rewards. But if they do so, and succeed, the future might deliver some of Belgium's best results in a long time.
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