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The script didn't change much for Belgian players in 2021. Hugely impressive for their club teams, Belgium's golden generation couldn't make it count at yet another major international tournament, though.
After dumping Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal out of Euro 2020, Belgium went out on a whimper against eventual winners Italy in the quarter-finals. Time is running out for the most talented squad in Belgian history.
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Belgian stars led their club teams to glory in 2021
Despite the familiar failures in the international arena, things were different at club level.
The champions of Spain, England and Italy's domestic leagues all benefited from vital contributions from Belgian star players. They now have arguably their last chance of winning an international trophy at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. On that note, here's a look at the five best Belgian players in 2021.
#5 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Kevin De Bruyne just about sneaks onto our list after an injury-hit year. The Manchester City talisman's troubles in 2021 began after Antonio Rudiger crashed into the Belgian in the Champions League final.
That led to an early substitution. De Bruyne suffered a fractured nose and eye socket as a result. The injury also caused the midfielder to miss the start of Euro 2020.
His return didn't last long, though, as De Bruyne was at the receiving end of a reckless tackle in Belgium's Round of 16 win over Portugal. He limped through their elimination at the hands of Italy and missed the start of the 2021-22 season. As if that wasn't enough, De Bruyne contracted COVID-19 soon after his return to full fitness.
Injuries restricted the Belgian superstar to 25 league appearances in 2020-21. When he was available, though, De Bruyne was lethal, registering 12 assists and scoring six times as City won the league title. He also won the PFA Players' Player of the Year for his performances in 2020-21
#4 Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Although Real Madrid endured a rare trophyless season in 2020-21, Thibaut Courtois was a bright spot for Los Blancos. The Belgian goalkeeper narrowly missed out on the Zamora Trophy after keeping 17 clean sheets in La Liga, just one less than Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak.
He has kept seven clean sheets in 18 league games in 2021-22. Courtois has carried his good form into the new season, with Real Madrid in pole position to win the league. The big keeper also kept clean sheets in three of Belgium's five Euro 2020 games.
#3 Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid)
Barely a year after his baffling decision to move to the Chinese Super League, Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco was back on European shores. He spent the 2019 season at Dalian Professional before returning to Atletico Madrid, helping them win the 2020-21 La Liga title.
The Belgian star made 35 appearances for Diego Simeone's team last season, scoring seven goals and assisting 11. His work rate also drew plaudits from fans and pundits alike. At 28, Carrasco is still at his peak, and has already made 22 appearances for Atletico this season.
#2 Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans has grown into an integral part of the Leicester City setup, and is undeniably a big-game player. He scored the only goal of the 2021 FA Cup final. That helped the Foxes stun Chelsea to win their first ever FA Cup and first major trophy since their famous 2015-16 Premier League triumph.
The all-action midfielder has made it a habit of scoring bangers from distance, especially against England's elite teams. His high work rate, neat passing, ability to drive forward with the ball and tough tackling make Tielemans the complete midfield package.
Still only 24, the Belgian is set to take on a larger role for the national team at next year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
#1 Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan/Chelsea)
Romelu Lukaku's first half of 2021 was so fruitful that he still tops our list despite a lacklustre start to life after returning to Chelsea.
The big Belgian centre-forward was unstoppable as Inter Milan dethroned Juventus to win the 2020-21 Serie A title. Lukaku finished second in the Serie A scoring charts, with his tally of 24 goals bettered only by Cristiano Ronaldo (29).
It was the Belgian who had the last laugh, though, as his team eliminated Ronaldo's Portugal at Euro 2020 in the Round of 16. With De Bruyne battling injuries, Lukaku was Belgium's best player, scoring four goals, including a penalty in their quarterfinal defeat to Italy. He also beat Ronaldo to the 2021 Serie A MVP award.
Lukaku finished the season with 30 goals and 13 assists across competitions for Inter Milan.
He was rewarded with a 12th-place finish in the 2021 Ballon d'Or vote. After a £97.5 million return to Chelsea late in the summer window, Lukaku has scored just five goals in 16 games, and has struggled with injuries. However, fans would expect the 28-year-old to push on in the second half of the campaign.
