Euro 2020 Preview - Belgium

[Dave]

Belgium

The fabled ‘Golden Generation’ are ranked as the best team in the world by FIFA and are running out of time to win a major trophy. 

 

Road to Euro 2020
Belgium played some of the most impressive football in qualifying as they enjoyed their best ever qualifying campaign. They scored two or more goals in all their matches which led to an impressive goal total of 40 goals in 10 matches. 16 different players contributed to these 40 goals which is more than any other nationality. There defending was also just as impressive as they conceded only 3 goals in those 10 matches.

 

What to Expect
Belgium under Roberto Martinez remain a fluid side that regularly convert their chances. A previous criticism of this Belgium team was that they were a good group of individuals that struggled to play as a team. Under Roberto Martinez that appears to have changed and people recognise Belgium as more of a well-oiled machine as opposed to a team of individual stars. Roberto Martinez seems to have established a formation that plays to everybody's strengths and allows for effective squad rotation.

 

Possible Lineup
Belgium like to take advantage of their squad depth by overrunning the midfield with a 3-4-2-1 formation containing a good balance between ball-winning players and technically gifted players.

Thibaut Courtois remains the first choice Goalkeeper and his position looks assured, however Roberto Martinez has been giving Simon Mignolet plenty of playing time since the last major tournament and it wouldn't be a concern should he needed to be called upon in any emergency.

The back three consists of two familiar names for Tottenham Hotspur fans in Toby Alderweirald and Jan Vertonghen. Jason Denayer appears to be favoured in the centre of the back line ahead of both Dedrick Boyata and Thomas Vermaelen.

Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne are likely to start in midfield, there incredible vision and accurate passing ensures that Belgium remain a threat to anybody at any given time. Kevin De Bruyne tends to play in a more advanced role whilst Leander Dendoncker is preferred to play as the ball winning midfielder since Axel Witsel's injury. Thomas Meunier and Thorgan Hazard appear to be the preferred wingbacks.

Dries Mertens and Eden Hazard usually feature in a false nine role to sit behind Romelu Lukaku. We favour based of form Dries Mertens to get chosen ahead of Eden Hazard, however Hazard's quality cannot be ignored and there's every chance he will feature heavily for Belgium this tournament. Up front both Michy Batshuayi and Christian Benteke appear far more comfortable playing for their country than they do for Crystal Palace, but Serie A winnner Romelu Lukaku cannot be overlooked upfront.

 

Key Player
In what was a difficult decision given the vast array of talent in this squad, the key player we have chosen is the player that Roberto Martinez appears to trust more than anybody. Romelu Lukaku has been in brilliant form since leaving Manchester United for both club and country and it's expected he will carry this form in to the Euros which could result in him lifting another trophy should everything go to plan.

 

Prediction
Belgium appear the most dominant side in Group B and have an easier run in to the next stage than any of the other tournament favourites. There squad depth will no doubt give them a great advantage as the tournament progresses. Roberto Martinez is continually downplaying their chances of lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament but he's fooling nobody.

This is a great opportunity for the Golden Generation. It's now or (probably) never.

[Azeem]

Golden generation is 5-7 exceptionally great players in the starting eleven. Belgium just have a bunch of 15 good players after a period of mediocrity.

[Devil-Dick Willie]

1 hour ago, McAzeem said:

Golden generation is 5-7 exceptionally great players in the starting eleven. Belgium just have a bunch of 15 good players after a period of mediocrity.

Hazard, Tielemans, De Bruyne, Mertens, Courtois

[Stan]

3 hours ago, McAzeem said:

Golden generation is 5-7 exceptionally great players in the starting eleven. Belgium just have a bunch of 15 good players after a period of mediocrity.

Bold statement. 

@Devil-Dick Willie stated 5 there. You could arguably make a case for Lukaku as well given his Inter form. 

I think that 'individuals' tag has changed and they've matured and grown as a team. For me they are favourites because of that. They aren't just a collective of individuals any more. 

[Danny]

Golden generation just means that teams best generation of talent, which is undoubtedly this one

[Machado]

Think they'll win every game in the group by 3+ goals.

[Redcanuck]

That's a bad injury De Bruyne suffered in the Champions League final.  Broken nose and eye socket.  Wonder if he will be fit to play in Belguim 's first game on June 12th.  Might have to change my prediction of Lukaku being the highest scorer if De Bruyne misses most of the group stage.

[Machado]

Hopefully he's fit. The one player any football fan should be looking forward to watch.