The Belgian Brigade

Over the past two decades we have seen top notch players from Brazil dominating and taking control of the game in all professional football matches. Now the time has come for Belgians to prove themselves that they are wothy of playing at the big stage. The Premier League is now filled with Belgian players playing at some of the top clubs such as Manchester City, Champions League winners Chelsea, Everton and many to follow.

The following is a list of 5 Belgian football players who have left their footprints in top level football.

1. Vincent Kompany

The star defender of Belgium captained Premier League winners Manchester City towards the title for the first time in 44 years. He is at the heart of City’s inspiring defense, arguably one of the best centre backs in football.He has nailed himself as a vital and integrel unit of the Sky Blues. You won’t find a player who maintains such a great level of fitness throughout an entire season as he earned 50 appearances in all competitions and scored a match-winning goal in a 1-0 Manchester Derby thriller. His incredible season came to a royal end after he won Manchester City’s Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season. Kompany was also part of the Premier League Team of the Year for two years in a row. When he finally calls it a day, it will be a huge blow for football and his performances will inspire a new generation of players.

2. Thomas Vermaelen

The 26 year old left-back of Arsenal was made the vice-captain following Cesc Fabregas’s departure to Barcelona. The player is currently the captain of the Gunners. Vermaelen is considered as one of the best Belgian defenders of his generation. His aerial ability is outstanding and is very swift on the ball giving strikers not a moment to feel the ball. Vermaelen who has capped 67 appearances for Arsenal, is regarded by Arsene Wenger as a defensive rock who nets crucial goals and makes fine clearances for Arsenal. The top clubs are hot on their heels to sign him.

3 Eden Hazard

The Chelsea attacking midfielder is very quick on the ball giving defenders nightmares with his incredible crosses,through ball and shots. The 5ft 7ich attacker has been drawn comparisons to Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, his height is a advantage for him as he can ooze past defenders due to low centre of gravity.He is a spectacular player who provides his team with goal chances. Hazard became the first non-French player to win the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year Award and afterwards he became an instant sensation at Lille.

“Eden is technically gifted and very fast. I would take him to Real Madrid with my eyes closed. He can become a great footballer, he is a star of the future.” France legend Zinedine Zidane

4. Marouane Fellaini

Everton signed the midfielder Fellaini for a record 15 million euros. In his debut season he was named Everton’s Young Player of the Season. His mindbreaking performances with Everton led to David Moyes labelling him as” good as anyone in the league”. The afro-haired midfielder is a favourite among Everton fans with supporters imitating the footballer with their own set of afro wigs. He is known for his steady ball control, spectacular assists and shooting power. Fellaini has 107 appearances and 14 goals to his credit.

5. Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian striker who is nicknamed “The new Drogba” plays for Chelsea. Before joining the Blues, he played for Anderlecht who won the Belgian championship and Lukaku was adjudged the top scorer in Belgium. He has 14 caps for his national side, netting 2 goals as well. The No.18 striker has the talent to be a regular starter for his team and the coming season could be the ideal time for the youngster to make his chances count. The 19 year old is a player with a great future and his experience at Chelsea could pave way for more clubs to come after him.