3 ways Belgium could line up at the 2018 World Cup

Belgium are easily one of the best sides in international football right now, at least on paper. Their young squad boasts arguably two of the best Premier League players, Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne. Right now, one could call them the dark horses for the 2018 WC, or even favourites, after their unbeaten campaign in the World Cup qualifying group H, subsequently topping their group, under Spanish manager Roberto Martinez.

Looking at their youthful and wholesome squad, it's easy to understand why Martinez will be biting his nails when he tries to find the best line up for the side.

So let's have a look at how they could actually line up next year in Russia:

#3 The traditional 4-2-3-1

They could go with a traditional 4-2-3-1

I guess the keeper choice is a no-brainer as, in Courtois, Belgium have one of the finest shot-stoppers in Europe.The defence also looks pretty solid, with the dynamic Spurs defensive duo of Vertonghen and Alderweireld.

In this setup, they would be using a double pivot, and Witsel and Dembele would be among the more popular choices- both have defensive awareness and can cause trouble going forward. Dembele is an exceptional box-to-box midfielder who played a pivotal role for Spurs last season when they finished 2nd. With Kevin de Bruyne in an advanced attacking midfield role, and they're good to go.

On the wings, they could go with Hazard and Mertens, who are exceptional on the ball and can cut in and bury the ball into the net with their lethal shots. Belgium's all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku would lead the line.

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#2 The explosive 3-5-2

3-5-2

This explosive formation is a little unconventional but it has been used by the Red Devils quite a few times.

It features a solid centre back trio along with Dembele and Fellaini, who would drop back when the other team is attacking. This setup would add to the side's offensive aptitude with 2 dynamic wingers playing ahead of Kevin de Bruyne, along with Hazard playing just behind the striker, as he has been doing this season at Chelsea.

This formation would give Belgium some positional superiority and an abundance of players going forward but it could leave them defensively vulnerable due to the lack of fullbacks.

#1 The standard 4-4-2

The standard yet effective 4-3-3

We now go back to playing 4 at the back, but with a couple of new improvisations.

We have Marouane Fellaini in the holding midfield role and he would have the job of winning the ball back. He would play behind 2 excellent playmakers- Kevin de Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, another excellent youngster also known for his knack for unleashing long rangers from outside the D.

In attack, we have 2 excellent and pacey dribblers, Hazard and Carrasco. The CF here is Dries Mertens, who thrives in that position at Napoli.

However they line up, one thing is for sure- Belgium will be one team to look out for next year in Russia.