Belgium - potential super power of Europe (PART ONE)

Modified Apr 15, 2012 17:28 GMT

We all know that Belgium is not a power in Europe now. They have not even qualified for the Euro 2012. But I don’t think that they should be under estimated. The fact is that they have more young prospects and wonder kids than many other super powers of Europe. World cup qualifiers are all set to start after the Euros and they have tough group in the round one fixtures. But if they manage to get qualified there is no doubt that they would be a force to be reckoned with in the WC 2014. This article gives how Belgium team would look after 3-4 years. Belgium has a lot of prospects and this article shortlists a very few young guns and quality players from a wide pool of players.

MOUSSA DEMBELE (FULHAM)

AGE: 24

POSITION: ST,CF.

INTERNATIONAL CAPS: 33

INTERNATIONAL GOALS: 5

MARKET VALUE: 8m £

The statistics are clear. He has played 33 internationals already and he is just 24. He is one of the most under rated players in the EPL. he began his career at Beerschot AC. He is currently under contract at Fulham . but there are lot of rumours regarding his transfer. He is in Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool’s radar. But his most likely destination is Tottenham. If he lives to his potential there is no doubt that he will become a first class striker in the future. He will be 26 at the world cup 2014 and 28 at the Euro 2016 (probably at the peak time of his career).

EDEN HAZARD (LILLE)

AGE: 21

POSITIION: LW,CAM,RW

INTERNATIONAL CAPS: 24

INTERNATIONAL GOALS: 1

MARKET VALUE: 24m£

He is just 21 yet has represented Belgium 24 times already. This shows his importance in the Belgium national team. He has been in a lethal form for Lille this season scoring 16 and making 20 in 42 games he has played. He is one of the most soughted player in the EPL and it has become definite that EPL is his most likely destination this summer. There have been a lot of speculation regarding his transfer. Though Man Utd is his likely destination if they bid for him, there are also interests from various other clubs of Man Utd’s stature. He is just 21 and certainly he is going to become a great asset for Belgium in the future.

MAROUNE FELLAINI (EVERTON)

AGE: 24

POSITIION: CM,DM

INTERNATIONAL CAPS: 29

INTERNATIONAL GOALS: 4

MARKET VALUE: 18.5m£

I know that there will a lot of bewildered faces seeing him in this list. But the fact is he is just 24 and is a good asset for Belgium national team. He has played 29 games for Belgium now and surely he is going to play a vital role for Belgium In the future. He started his playing career at standard liege and then he was signed by David Moyes . He has developed a lot under Moyes and like Dembele he is also an under rated player in the EPL. Good in the air, great defensive capabilities and a good passer of the ball – he has all the assets to become Belgium’s midfield general.

THOMAS VERMAELEN (ARSENAL)

AGE: 26

POSITIION: CB

INTERNATIONAL CAPS: 33

INTERNATIONAL GOALS: 1

MARKET VALUE: 16m£

I know that he is too old to be in this list but I am sure that he will be an integral part if Belgium becomes a power in Europe. He is 26 and if Belgium plays a major role in WC 2014 or Euro 2016, he will be one among the peak players. At the euro 2016 he will be 30, a ripe age for a CB. The threat for Vermaelen is that he, who started his career at RKC Waalwijk, faces a tough competition for a place at CB with Vertonghen and Kompany (coming in the next part). But I am sure that he will build reputation to his name and would remain as a great asset for Belgium.

This is just the first part and second part is yet to come. There are a lot of players in the national Pool of Belgium and I am sure that Belgium is going to be a force in the future.