By David Lee Wheatley
Belgium
approach their final two World Cup qualifying fixtures requiring only a point
to make sure of a place in Brazil next year.
The
nation from the Low Countries have developed a squad that would appear the mightiest
they’ve mustered for many years; not since the heady days of current head coach
Marc Wilmots’ playing era alongside legends such as Enzo Scifo, Jan Ceulemans,
Franky Van der Elst, Michel Preud’Homme and Eric Gerets have so many excellent
footballers’ careers converged.
Now,
a new crop have emerged as the Red Devils attempt to deliver trophy
success to a nation starved of it throughout their history.
44-year-old
Wilmots spent three years as assistant coach before taking on the mantle as leader
of the pack in 2012, while inheriting a set of stars handily reaching their
peak all at the same time. Looking at the line-up on paper, each and every
department looks supremely strong and the potential of the team seems
limitless.
Between
the sticks, top talents Simon Mignolet and Thibaut Courtois fight it out for
the number one spot and are closely matched. Mignolet joined Liverpool in the
summer having established himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the
English Premier League with Sunderland, while Courtois has forged a fine reputation
on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea during the past two seasons and
continues to perform well in La Liga at the Stamford Bridge club’s behest.
World-class
Manchester City centre-back Vincent Kompany usually marshals a well-oiled defensive
machine, but unfortunately misses out on the two upcoming clashes against
Croatia and Wales due to a thigh injury. Even without him, though, the squad possesses
quality in abundance in that area of the field with the experienced Daniel Van
Buyten joined by Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld amongst
others.
Midfield
is arguably even more impressive, with Eden Hazard, Fellaini, De Bruyne and
Witsel fronting up a section of the side that also boasts the considerable
skills of Napoli winger Dries Mertens, Steven Defour, Nacer Chadli and
long-standing international Timmy Simons.
Then,
up-top, powerful strikers Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke regularly
frighten the life of their opposition, while versatile attacking midfielders
Mousa Dembele and Kevin Mirallas round off a remarkable side that is ready to
fire Belgium to the World Cup finals over the coming days.
Revered
ex-international Wilmots has been blessed with an embarrassment of riches
provided he utilises them effectively by blending their individual abilities
into a working unit. Judging by their five-point lead in Group A, it suggests
the former Schalke forward has found a way to extract the very best out of the
players at his disposal.
At
least a point away to closest challengers Croatia on Friday and they’re there.
Twitter: @davewh1980
No comments:
Post a Comment