As the draw takes place for the 2014 World Cup qualifying games tonight, it might be opportune to see what sort of team Belgium could put on the pitch, assuming that they qualify.
In three years time, players such as Daniel Van Buyten and Timmy Simons will have hung up their boots. However, many of the current squad will be in their prime and there are more youngsters coming through. Here s how it could pan out:
Goalkeeper
Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois should have cemented his place in the national team by 2014. Club Brugge’s Chris Coosemans will also have more experience and Beerschot’s Thomas Kaminski might have forced his way into the squad. All three will be in their early twenties.
Defence
Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen and Manchester City s Vincent Kompany will be in their prime, as will Zenit’s Nic Lombaerts. Another centre back to be considered is Ajax’s Toby Alderweireld. The full back positions are the Achilles heels of the Belgian team. It is to be hoped that Standard’s Sebastien Pocognoli can progress and get back into the team at left back. Right back, though is more problematic; there is no one in sight. Denis Odoi, recently signed by Anderlecht, could come into the frame (if he avoids red cards) and there are good reports of Marnick Vermijl, now learning the ropes at Manchester United.
Midfield
Either Ajax’s Jan Vertonghen or Everton’s Marouane Fellaini could sit in front of the back four, and we shouldn’t forget Stoke City’s Florent Cuvelier who will be in his early twenties. Benfica’s Axel Witsel and Genk’s Kevin De Bruyne could complete the midfield trio, with two youngsters Ajax’s Mats Rits and Lens’ Thorgen Hazard coming through nicely.
Attack
Chelsea powerhouse Romelu Lukaku should be nicely settled (at 22), with Club Brugge’s Bjorn Vleminckx or Genk’s Jelle Vossen as alternatives. Lukaku could be flanked by LOSC’s Eden Hazard and Twente’s Nacer Chadli, with KAA Gent’s Yassine El Ghanassy and Fulham’s Moussa Dembele hoping for a seat on the plane. Finally we should not forget Charly Musonda Junior of Anderlecht, who will be 18 when the World Cup comes round; he could play the Theo Walcott role.
So the team could be:
Courtois; Vermijl, Kompany (captain), Vermaelen, Pocognoli; Witsel, Vertonghen, de Bruyne; E. Hazard, Lukaku, Chadli. Subs: Coosemans, Alderweireld, T. Hazard, Rits, Musonda Jr, El Ghanassy, Vleminckx.
What about Van Den Borre, Defour, Mignolet?
My thoughts exactly.
I was looking at team plus substitutes rather than 22. However, I think Vanden Borre lacks quality – utility player at best. I'd love to include Defour but fitness doubts remain. Mignolet is a good shout but I am not sure he will retain his place in Premiership. I added some young players to give the team a future look rather than just list today's team three years on.
I generally agree with most of your sentiments, but I have a few quibbles. Vertonghen should play centre-back with Kompany, and Vermaelen can take the left-back position. I'd then probably play a three man midfield with Fellaini and Defour supporting Witsel. At left wing I'd start De Bruyne and right wing, Hazard. Lukaku should be the striker. Right-back is indeed a problem, but hopefully someone steps up (from most likely to least likely: Odoi, Aldeweireld, Vanden Borre, De Laet, Vermijl, Ciman, Cavanda). Finally, small correction, but Charly Musonda Jr. is a central midfielder (in the mold of Xavi or Iniesta according to Boskamp). It's his brother Lamisha that plays on the wing.
HI Red Duivels Fan, I don't disagree completely but I don't like Vermaelen out of posiiion. Re Musonda Jr, I didn't mean he was a winger. I meant he would be like Walcott in that he'd be young and inexperienced in World Cup squad. Cheers.
Is completely understandable that you don't like seeing Vermaelen at left-back, because neither do I. But looking at the options at that position, there isn't much choice. Bart Buysse may be worth a look, and maybe Tshimanga as well (in addition to Pocognoli). But defensively, they wouldn't be as strong as Vermaelen (he contained both Turan and Mueller in recent games at that position). Vertonghen is a gritty, but technically gifted defender who would match well with Kompany in the middle. But we saw against Turkey, he's not made for left-back (lack of pace being one problem). Though I would agree he's equally good at defensive mid.
I'd probably add Radja Nainggolan to your squad as he's doing very well at Cagliari. Him and Fellaini could potentially become our version of De Jong and Van Bommel.
I would agree with most of these players, but not exactly convinced that Courtois will easily replace Mignolet. I don't see Mignolet losing his place at Sunderland. LB and RB are still a problem. Boyata did ok at RB for a few ManC games but needs to move to another team and get a weekly match. De Laet should have a full season at his new club. Vermijl? Don't know if he'll be ready by 2014. Midfield, I don't see Thorgen and Rits making it into the team. Naingolan is a better choice. Forward, can't forget Ogunjimi..I'm not a fan of him but he does get his goals..right place at the right time.
Mignolet? Defour?
and let's not forget Mertens.
Dats great ! Chelsea players are everywhere