World Cup 2018: The Belgium XI that won’t feature

Midfielders: Radja Nainggolan, Steven Defour, Anthony Limbombe, Guillaume Gillet

Vexed at missing out, Nainggolan retired from Belgium

Belgium’s midfield is packed with several big names, but the most noteable one missing is Radja Nainggolan. The AS Roma star was ostracized as Matinez sighted tactical reasons, prompting the player to retire from the side in the immediate aftermath.

The 30-year old had a stellar campaign with the Giallorossis, scoring 6 times and laying 11 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions. His 34 chances created in the league is bettered only by Aleksandar Kolarov in the team, whilst he also won 74% of his take-ons.

Nainggolan is a complete midfielder who brings a range of qualities to the team. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't fit in the national set-up under Martinez.

Defour chose to

hung

up his boots too

Following him in the sunset was Steven Defour, who too hung up his boots after being excluded. The Burnley midfielder was one of the most capped players in the squad with 50, whilst also scoring twice in the process. However, since Martinez took over, he has donned the Belgian colours only once.

Defour’s time at Burnley has been fair to middling, but he did show improvements in the 2017/18 campaign, before sustaining a season-ending injury.

In just 24 appearances, he managed to create 17 chances and also maintained an 84% average passing accuracy. Just when he was about to hit the throttle, he suffered a cartilage fracture, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Anthony Limbombe only made his debut in March, playing the first 45 minutes of the friendly against Saudi Arabia.

The former Everton boss might have seen potential in him, which is why he thought of trying him in the rehearsals. But it was too little time for him to impress, and also too late to be given an opportunity.

Gillet's time with Belgium is virtually up

Gillet on the other hand, is a forgotten man in the Belgium set-up. Having made his debut in 2007, the 34-year old's career never really took off, shuttling in and out of the team.

His career appeared to be over when he didn't make a single appearance from June 2013 to March 2016, despite being on the bench on a few occasions.

He was directly called up for an international friendly against Portugal, three months before the Euro 2016, but was subbed off at the hour mark. Gillet has once again been overlooked since, maybe its time for him to retire too.