The golden generation is nearing do-or-die time as the expected prime of Belgium’s talented young core is approaching its end. Age has already crept in for key defenders and offensive forces like Eden Hazard but there is still enough time and talent for the European side to make a deep run in the 2022 World Cup
Belgium World Cup Preview
Belgium Key Player
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne will be looked to as the playmaker and star player of the side. With so much attacking talent in front of him it will fall on his shoulders to pull the strings and get the best out of his compatriots.
The 31-year-old won’t be alone in his quest but as a part of an incredible Manchester City team, he has a lot of expectations to live up to.
Belgium Tactics
Roberto Martinez aims to make the most of his attacking talent by setting up in a formation that may look familiar to Chelsea fans. He often operates with a 3-4-2-1 which is slightly unbalanced by the lack of true wing-backs in the squad. It does allow players like Eden Hazard to operate in dangerous spots with a solid midfield behind him but it is prone at the back.
Belgium Unexpected Star
In a team full of proven entities and underperforming young stars it’s hard to make a pick here. More obvious choices like Thorgan Hazard or Charles De Ketelaere have been misfiring so far in this campaign. This is why our vote goes to former Chelsea man Michy Batshuayi.
Romelu Lukaku will no doubt be the first option up front but the Fenerbahce man has proven to be a super sub in the past. He’s been in fine form in this campaign too with eight goals to his name in 13 games for his new team.
Belgium World Cup Predictions
With so much talent on the field, we expect Belgium to make another deep run in this tournament. They have too many players out of form to consider them potential winners but they do boast some of the most talented players in the tournament in their lineup. A semi-final run isn’t out of the question but even that may be beyond them.
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Last Word on Football recognise the human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout Qatar and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.