Belgium - The Surpise Package For 2014?

After slipping to an all time low 71st in the FIFA rankings just five years ago, and failing to qualify for Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, Belgium's national team have come a long way. The emergence of many young and talent footballers has been a breath of fresh air since the teams "Golden Era" in the 1980s and 90s under Guy Thys.
    With most national teams, the majority of the players play their domestic football in their home nation, increasing their chances of being watched on a regualr basis and establishing themselves in the set up. This is not the case for Belgium. A great deal of what would be classed as their strongest starting 11 play their club football in the Premier League, which in truth, can only be a positive thing for the country. Notable household names such as Vincent Kompany (captain), Eden Hazard and Marouane Fellaini are vital players for some of the biggest clubs in the division. But there are so many more, such as Kevin Mirallas, who signed for Everton in the summer joining team mate Fellaini. The attacking potential that Belgium have to offer is frightening, especially when you consider the age of these players. When playing three attacking midfielders and a striker, the average age if 22, with the youngest being Romelu Lukaku at 19. This boy has got bags of potential, and has everything a player needs to be a world class striker. He still has a lot to learn, but who wouldn't get excited by a player labelled 'The new Drogba'.
    Of course, this team needs a lot of time to gel and gain experience. Some may say 2014 is a little too soon for such a young sqaud. But with the team sitting top of Group A on goal difference, the transition period seems to have already been completed. If they can keep all the young stars improving everytime they play, some big nations such as Spain, Argentina and hosts Brazil may be in for a shock when the Red Devils turn up in Rio.




Dan Youde