Belgium: A Coach Short of a Rising Force!

There is one team in Europe that will not be present at the Euros this summer that has the potential to have a big impact at the next World Cup. That team is Belgium. 

Renowned for their wonderful talents of the 1980’s and 90’s and  a successful World Cup and European record during that time, not much has gone right for the Red Devils since. Looking back at their history of players during that time its a who’s who of European football legends: Eric Gerets, Ludovic Koeck, Marc Vercauteren, Jan Caulemans, Enzo Scifo, Michel Preudhomme and Marc Wilmots all left a significant mark on the European stage.

 

Since then however the talent pool dried up and Belgian football went into steady decline. The 2000’s have proven to be fruitless years for the Belgians with little success or recognition on the international stage.

 

The current crop of young players making their mark at club and international level however look set to change all that in the near future. In goals the young 19 year old Atletico keeper Courtouis had a splendid season showing real class, maturity and reflexes. His performace in the Europa League Final was one of maturity and presence, amazing for someone so young.  The defence is stocked with well renowned players playing at the highest level. Vermaelen of Arsenal and Kompany of Man City form a formidable partnership at centre back, with the highly rated Ajax captain Vertonghen plays at left back. At right back, Aldeweireld also playing at Ajax, has shown glimpses of potential at the highest level.

 

The midfield has the irrepressible Fellaini of Everton and a player I hugely admire, Axel Witsel of Benfica pulling the strings. He is one of those midfielders that seems to have it all, able to dictate the play and score but also work hard and cover the defence. On the wings is probably the most wanted man in European football at the moment, Eden Hazard, hugely skilful and capable of frequent scoring. Mertens of PSV has had an outstanding season and reminds me of Marc Overmars with his small stature and pace on the dribble. The talented youngster DeBruyne has recently been signed by no less than Champions League winners Chelsea.

 

The striking department has the young striker of Olympiacos Mirailas who has has also had an outstanding and prolific season. Partnered with Dembele of Fulham, Belgium on paper looks like a dangerous team with skilful imaginative attacking players and an experienced and solid defence. The highly rated Chelsea youngster Lukaku also waits for his chance should he develop into the striker people predict he will be.

 

Their results thus far may not have been spectacular and they are currently without a full time coach, but should the Belgian Football Association get it right and appoint the right man to guide this young and talented team, they should be able to qualify and make a mark at the next World Cup in Brazil 2014.  Belgium has a high profile friendly match against England this weekend. Regardless of the result, the appointment of the right coach in the very near future might see Belgium as a rising force on the world stage once more.