World Cup 2022 gets underway this week as hosts Qatar kick things off against Ecuador. Belgium find themselves in a tricky group consisting of Croatia, Morocco, and their first opposition, Canada. We’ve taken a look at the 26-man squad selected by Roberto Martinez and highlighted a few names that could be key as the tournament progresses.
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World Cup 2022: Belgium Squad Preview
There is a feeling amongst fans that World Cup 2022 might be the last chance for this golden generation of Belgium players to taste success. They are incredibly experienced in defensive areas, whilst also boasting an abundance of flair and attacking talent further up the pitch. But the squad is not getting any younger.
The likes of Thibaut Courtois, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are all into their 30s, with this set to be the last major tournament for a few of those household names. Despite their core of ageing stars, Belgium are among the top 10 favourites to lift the World Cup 2022 trophy at odds of 17.00.
There have been injury concerns over a few of Belgium’s standout figures, namely Romelu Lukaku. The Inter Milan striker has played just 30 minutes of football since August, making only five appearances this season since moving back to Serie A on loan. However, the inclusion of Belgium’s all-time top scorer is a huge boost as they go in search of silverware.
World Cup 2022: Belgium’s Key Players
One man sticks out in this Belgium squad. De Bruyne might be the best midfielder on the planet currently, with fans hoping he can continue his fine form with Manchester City into World Cup 2022. In 14 Premier League appearances this campaign, De Bruyne has registered three goals and nine assists.
He will be given complete creative freedom in this Belgium team, with his ability to unlock defences sure to be crucial in any success his nation have. You can find him as second favourite to register the most assists in the competition at odds of 7.00.
Lukaku is another player that could be in contention to claim individual accolades. As long as he can quickly re-establish his form in front of goal, there’s every chance Lukaku claims the Golden Boot. With the incessant creativity of De Bruyne just behind him, odds of 26.00 to score the most goals at World Cup 2022 look tempting.
Axel Witsel could potentially be the unsung hero of this Belgium squad. He has been a mainstay in Atletico Madrid’s team this season and remains his country’s most accomplished defensive midfielder. If Martinez’s side progress into the knockout stages, his defensive instinct and ability to break up play will be vital against the bigger nations.
Courtois is another player that will have more to do the further Belgium progress. The Real Madrid man is having another impressive campaign with Los Blancos and remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The 30-year-old trails only Alisson Becker as favourite to win the Golden Glove (6.00) at World Cup 2022.
Official Belgium Squad
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Meunier, Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Arthur Theate, Wout Faes, Jan Vertonghen
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel, Thorgan Hazard, Yannick Carrasco, Hans Vanaken, Leander Dendoncker, Amadou Onana
Forwards: Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens, Charles De Ketelaere, Leandro Trossard, Michy Batshuayi, Lois Openda, Jeremy Doku
