Belgium are at risk of failing to capitalise on their so-called ‘golden generation’ and will face becoming one of the most over-rated international sides if they fail to impress at the world cup in Russia next year.
Their side is filled to brim with one of the greatest collections of players in recent years with star-studded talent in almost every position.
In Brazil in 2014, the Red Devils reached the quarter finals before coming through their Russia 2018 qualifying group unbeaten, which has helped them into the first pot for the draw for next year’s showpiece on Friday.
But there is still a feeling that they are yet to fulfil their enormous potential.
Talented individuals
Among the Red Devils’ squad are Premier League winners and Europa League champions, and that is just Eden hazard and Thibaut Courtois, both who are among the best in their positions.
Match that with the striker that broke the British transfer record in Romelu Lukaku, and Kevin de Bruyne, the attacking midfielder who has gone from strength to strength under Pep Guardiola.
In central defence, Tottenham duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen have made Spurs rock solid in their recent challenges for the Premier League title and also share 166 caps between them.
It is not just in the English top-flight where Belgium’s best players are plying their trade with Serie A side AS Roma having arguably one of the most all-round midfielders on their books in Radja Nainggolan, who is largely known for his thunderbolt goals and slide-and-hook tackling style.
Dries Mertens struggled when he first joined Napoli in 2013, netting just 22 goals in 97 games and three seasons. He has since turned a corner, scoring 28 times last year, with a further 10 already this time around.
Time to shine for Belgium
The wealth of talent that Belgium have is incredible, among the best in the world right, with the likes of Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, Vincent Kompany and Thomas Meunier not mentioned above.
Yet, for all the fanfare and excitement surrounding this amazing collection of players, a quarter-final place at the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 European Championships is all they have to show for it.
While an unbeaten qualifying campaign for next year’s showpiece is notable, they thought through a group that included one of FIFA’s newest members, Gibraltar, alongside, Cyprus and Estonia.
Being ranked fifth in the world in October means Belgium will be in the first pot for the draw on Friday 1st December, avoiding the likes of reigning champions Germany and other favourites such as Brazil, Argentina and France.
Yet, they could still face either Spain, England, Colombia or Uruguay, all of whom are in pot two. But if they are to finally realise their potential that has excited Red Devils’ fans and neutrals for years, these are the sides that they will need to beat.
With all their talent and individual brilliance, Belgium’s time for success will need to be in Russia next year.
