A balanced workforce
The Belgian squad, whose average age is over 27, is a balanced compromise between old and newcomers. Domenico Tedesco has perfectly ensured the transition of the post-2022 World Cup generations, including the retirement of stars (E. Hazard, Mertens, Alderweireld, Fellaini, etc.) and the arrival of young internationals, not necessarily by age. Dodi Lukebakio, the FC Seville winger, suspended this Wednesday against Ukraine, for example, has only 17 caps but he is already 26 years old and has had a few seasons away from Belgium, in Germany (Wolfsburg, Hertha Berlin, Düsseldorf) and at Watford (ENG), which give him some experience.
Three thirty-year-olds, Kevin De Bruyne, captain, and his two “vice-lieutenants”, Romelu Lukaku and Jan Vertonghen (in the absence of Thibaut Courtois who temporarily preferred to devote himself to Real Madrid), constitute the hard core and culminate in them three to 378 selections, after the draw against Ukraine (0-0), this Wednesday.
In goals, Koen Casteels is responding so far to the enormous pressure placed on him due to the absence of his Madrid colleague and the choice to be number 1 in goals which was made by the coach to the detriment of Mats Salts.
Finally, the experience and dimension of the environments Amadou Onana (ex-captain of the Espoirs), Youri Tielemans (27 years old, 70 selections), Yannick Carrasco (30 years old, 77 selections) and Leandro Trossard (29 years old, 35 selections), are supposed to cement the social climate and fuel team spirit.
The power and art of the counter
As it showed against Romania (2-0), the Belgian team is a mixture of speed and athletic power. Hard in the impacts and rather present in the air (Onana, Vertonghen, Faes), the Red Devils are carried by Romelu Lukaku at the forefront of the 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-1-2. He stands at 1.91 m but rushes towards the opposing goal when thrown. Former best player in the Premier League, passer Kevin De Bruyne is his world-class support in the sense of modern, fair, first-line and surgical play.
He has mastered the art of double acceleration. The wingers participate in this culture of transition with Jérémy Doku, best dribbler in the competition before the third match with nine dribbles and an extraordinary percussion ability. His compatriots Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven) and Dodi Lukebakio also have this breaking profile which forces the opponent to avoid leaving too much space behind him.
The thirst of the ancients
The trauma of the last World Cup has left indelible marks on the minds of the veterans. In 2018 in Russia or Qatar, the Red Devils undoubtedly had the most beautiful generation in their history with four bosses (Courtois, Hazard, De Bruyne, Lukaku). And they collapsed in the first round by scoring only one goal in the first match against Canada (1-0).
Even the Nations League in October 2021 leaves them with regrets with an elimination in the semi-finals against the Blues (2-3) after a goal from Lukaku refused by… the VAR. The thirst for revenge is therefore increased tenfold to reach at least the quarter-finals of this Euro, the same result as in 2021, and more if there are affinities, especially against the Blues.
A failed start and questions about defense
The inaugural defeat against Slovakia (0-1) generated the first questions about the choices of its coach and the cohesion of the group in the midst of a storm. Belgium showed ineffectiveness in front of goal. Body language was not appropriate for combat. It did not reflect unfailing solidarity. Those absent from the first meeting due to returning from injuries (Vertonghen and Theate) had not played since May 5 and 12 respectively.
It is also in defense, and in the management of depth, behind the backs of the central defenders, that doubt is still present. Belgium was not convincing in the first half against Ukraine as if they were a little afraid to go out and play, ultimately going through the very small door. It will be necessary to judge the Belgians against a major nation to see if they retain their apparent solidity.
