It’s always a hot take when discussing whether Lukaku and Hazard will be featured on the 23-man World Cup Roster for Belgium. Both are still very young in their careers. Both currently are active starters for very good clubs. And neither have accomplished a major championship for their national squad. But to give the hottest take of all. Both Lukaku and Hazard WILL PLAY IN RUSSIA THIS SUMMER! Jordan Lukaku and Thorgan Hazard that is. Not many teams can say they have the firepower of 2 Hazards and 2 Lukaku’s. Maybe Mexico can argue the Dos Santos brothers, or Cuauhtemoc Blanco and El Bofo Bautista, but that’s like comparing Tom Brady to Brady Quinn.
Belgium’s performance in the 2016 Euro’s was less than spectacular. A 3-1 loss to Gareth Wales is not acceptable in any way. Now I’m not saying that Wales is a bad team, but aside from failing to make the World Cup, Gareth Bale is basically the only player on the team. His performance in the Euro’s was 2007 Lebron-and-the-Cavs-esque. When Belgium fields players such as Eden Hazard, Romelu, De Bruyne, Courtois, and Mertens, a 3-1 loss is UNACCEPTABLE!! Given, 2016 Belgium isn’t as great as 2018 Belgium, but it was those weapons that put Belgium in the World Cup with 0 losses throughout qualification, so it should have been those weapons to, at the very least put them into the Semi-Finals.
But I digress, you came for the roster, so I will give you a roster. Whether it’s 100% correct is up for debate, but I say with 100% certainty that there will be at least 7 locks.
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels.
Belgium really took a big hit at goalkeeping when Lionel Messi took Courtois manhood not only once, but twice. Seriously, I’ve seen girls at gentleman’s clubs keep their legs closed more than Courtois. Though his nutmeg rating in FIFA may have gone up, Belgium has basically no other choice to play at keeper. Congrats, Thibaut Courtois, for being amongst the World XI for weirdest names in soccer.
Defense
Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Toby Alderweireld, Nacer Chadill, Jordan Lukaku, Thomas Meunièr, Dedryck Boyata.
One of the weirdest phenomenon in the world of soccer is that of Belgium’s backline. Normally they have sported 3 center backs with 4 midfielders, but in a friendly with Mexico, they went 3CB’s 2 fullbacks and 3 midfielders, similar to what manager Robert Martinez ran during his time at Everton. Really odd as to whether they’re trying out something new just weeks away from PutinMania 18, or plan on using the 5 technique against, “higher skilled,” teams. Nonetheless, Belgium has a very good defense and should be one of the better defense at the end of the World Cup.
Midfielders
Radja Nainggolan, Kevin De Bruyne, Mousa Dembele, Alex Witsel, Marouane Fellaini, Yannick Carrasco, Edén Hazard
Aside from having a very good defense, Belgium as an ELITE midfield. Belgium’s midfield is on par with that of Germany and Spain, and anyone that disagrees can kick rocks. Players like KDB and Nainggolan perfectly complement each other’s game and leave Hazard to do his thing wherever Martinez pleases to place him. I expect big things from Belgium’s midfield, and so should you.
Forwards
Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens, Michy Batshuayi, Thorgan Hazard, Divock Origi.
If there is one way that a player can show his value, it’s the ability to play in multiple positions and play well at those positions. Aside from having an amazing name, Thorgan Hazard can do so. And at a ripe age of 24, he proves to be an important piece of Belgium’s future. Yes, players like Kevin Mirallas and Christian Benteke do have a little more experience Hazard Jr, but the experience will not prove crucial from the bench. Sorry guys 2014 was your last ride.
RIP Jose Mourinho
There you have it folks, a team that you can support, or at the very least put some money on, because 12/1 odds is a bargain for a team during the prime of most of their player’s careers. Please, in return for you reading this putrid blog, I give you some KDB and Hazard highlights, as a sign of forgiveness. Please come back next time when we take a look at Costa Rica. Until then deuces.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niIi98om5Wk]