Best Belgian Premier League XI of all-time, featuring Tottenham Hotspur and Everton stars.
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard
Belgium currently possess a group of players that many pundits claim is their golden generation, but much ike England in 2006, they continue to flatter to deceive.
Many of their world-class stars currently grace the Premier League, and we take a look at the best Belgian XI currently plying their trade in England’s top flight.
GK – Thibaut Courtois – Chelsea, 39 caps:
The imposing 6 ft 5 in goalkeeper has made the Chelsea number 1 spot his own since he returned to Stamford Bridge after spending a two-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid.
He is vastly experienced at international level despite his tender years, and oozes confidence and composure.
CB – Vincent Kompany – Manchester City, 70 caps:
The City captain has suffered with recurring injuries throughout his career, yet he remains an important player for both club and country.
His collection of international caps would surely be approaching the 100 mark had he managed to remain injury-free.
Kompany has two Premier League title medals, two football league cups and and an FA Cup to show for his efforts throughout his time at the Etihad.
CB – Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham Hotspur, 81 caps:
Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen
The 29-year-old has been a revelation since his £12 million move to White Hart Lane in 2012, and has formed a formidable partnership for club and country with Toby Alderweireld.
Cool and composed in possession, the Spurs star is a class act.
CB – Toby Alderweireld – Tottenham Hotspur, 59 caps:
Another Spurs player on the list, Alderweireld has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old was a key component in Tottenham’s impressive league campaign last term, and will be hoping to help his side achieve even further success this year.
DM – Marouane Fellaini – Manchester United, 72 caps:
Despite receiving heavy criticism for his perceived ungainly style, Fellaini has proved to be an important player for Belgium and Manchester United.
Strong in the air, he is a useful weapon both offensively and defensively.
DM – Moussa Dembele – Tottenham Hotspur, 65 caps:
The 29-year-old moved to Spurs in 2012, and quickly became a fan favourite with his silky skills when in possession of the football.
He has a fantastic knack at being able to read the game, and Tottenham have desperately missed his presence following his six-game ban at the end of last season.
AMR – Nacer Chadli – West Bromwich Albion, 32 caps:
The 27-year-old failed to live up to the high expectations last season, in what proved to be a case of someone being a victim of their own success.
During the 2014/15 Premier League campaign, Chadli scored 11 goals and notched five assists from a wide attacking area in 35 league outings, and impressed pundits and fans alike with his displays.
Last year was a different story, however, as he struggled for first-team opportunities and made just 10 Premier League starts. He was sold to West from during the summer transfer window.
AML – Kevin Mirallas – Everton, 51 caps:
One of the most mercurial talents in the Premier League, he often riles fans with his perceived lack of interest in team ethic.
He is incredibly talented, however, and his vast collection of caps for Belgium at the age of 28 is evidence of his quality.
AMC – Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City, 48 caps:
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne
In what must be considered as one of the greatest mistakes of all-time, Chelsea sold De Bruyne to Wolfsburg in January 2014 for £18 million.
The 25-year-old has gone on to become one of the best players in the world, after City signed him last summer for £54.5 million.
A truly class act, he will likely be a key player for Belgium and City for the next decade.
AMC – Eden Hazard – Chelsea, 70 caps:
The Chelsea man’s record speaks for itself, and despite a poor season with his club last term, he looks as though he is already back to his best this year.
He has scored 43 goals in 142 league appearances for the Blues, and is at the centre of everything good that happens for both club and country.
CF – Romelu Lukakau – Everton, 51 caps:
The physically imposing striker has a proven track record with 64 goals in 131 games for Everton and 16 international goals for Belgium.
At just 23-years-old, Lukaku has the potential to become one of the Premier League greats, and has drawn comparisons with the Didier Drogba with his style of play.
The strength of the Belgian side is highlighted by the players that missed out on the XI:
Divock Origi – Liverpool
Christian Benteke – Crystal Palace
Michu Batshuayi – Chelsea
Simon Mignolet – Liverpool
Matz Sels – Newcastle United
Who do you think should have been included in the side? And who was lucky to make the XI?
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
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