The charge of the Belgian Brigade

Belgium has been a dormant footballing nation for ages. From a team that only filled up the numbers at World Cups past to the nearly-theres of the late 80s and the early 90s when they became quite a force, Belgium have seen it all. Their best performance was making the 1980 Euro Final, where an 88^th minute Horst Hrubesch goal dealt a defeat at the hands of Germany. They however made it past the group stages at the next four World Cups, including a 4^th place finish at Mexico in 1986. The prominence had much to do with the array of legendary stars such as Jean-Marie Pfaff, Enzo Scifo, Jan Ceulemans, Michel Preud’homme, Eric Gerets and Franky Van der Elst. But, after the Marc Wilmots-led side bombed at Korea-Japan, Belgium has been suffering its biggest hase of absence from tournament finals (apart from the lull of 1955-1969). The new generation, however, is an entirely different proposition and one need only look at the opening matchday of the EPL to realize that these are exciting times for Belgian football.

The current crop of Belgian youngsters are replete with speed, guile, creativity, and goal-scoring threat. And the best thing about them: they are young. With an average age of under 24, the Red Devils’ outfit boasts of a repertoire of talent plying its trade across Europe. Gradually, most of these starlets are setting up camp in the Premier League, and now there’s one in almost every big club.

Starting with the men between the posts, Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet has had quite the start to the season with a clean sheet at Arsenal on Saturday. He has a reputation to live up to, given the track record of the illustrious predecessors who had donned those gloves. Jean-Marie Pfaff had made it to Pele’s prestigious FIFA 100 list, while Michel Preud’homme had won the Lev Yashin award at the 1994 World Cup.

Breathing down Mignolet’s neck is Thibaut Courtois, who won the Europa League this year while on loan at Atletico Madrid. Even parent-club (Chelsea) mate Petr Cech considers Courtios to be one of the best glovemen in Europe.

The defence is replete with authority. Captain of the National Team and Manchester City, Vincent Kompany has been a pillar of strength for both. He was voted the best City player of 2010-11 by both teammates and fans for marshalling the troops to an FA Cup win. Kompany also scored the winner in the Manchester derby last April that put City on their way to a first league title in 44 years.

He has an able partner in Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermaelen. Vermaelen is a versatile defender who ventures forward at every opportunity and scores goals, as well as being equally stoic in protecting the backline. Presently slotting in at right back, Vermaelen will replace the ageing legs of former captain Daniel Van Buyten once the Bayern Munich giant hangs up his boots.

The pair of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld landed back-to-back league titles with Ajax. Vertonghen has now moved to Tottenham after being chosen the Dutch Footballer of the Year. Like Vermaelen, he too is an able defender, known for his offensive prowess and powerful shooting ability. Alderweireld is another tall guy having great physical strength and an eye for long passes.

Creativity simply overflows when one looks at the midfield. The man who ran amock Manchester United on Monday, Marouane Fellaini, had ignored offers from the Galacticos and Bayern Munich to seal a Belgian transfer record by moving to Everton. A temperamental guy with 10 bookings in his first 17 PL games, he has since matured under David Moyes. Fellaini has been efficient as both a second striker and a defensive midfielder. Moyes considers him as good as anyone in the League, and his trademark coiffed ‘afro’ hair and aggressive football is a rage with the Toffee faithful.

Stefan Defour has been keenly monitored by Sir Alex Ferguson since he was voted best in the Belgian league (2008). Known for his tremendous work rate and the ability to thread passes through tight defences, Defour’s maturity is evident after he was made captain of Standard Liege at just 19. A transfer to Porto last season guarantees this technically gifted player Champions League football.

Eden Hazard is now the most coveted and sought after European footballer. Given that he had the liberty to choose from amongst all the top European clubs before making his mind up on Chelsea speaks volumes about this prodigy. With a truckload of individual awards at Lille, Hazard started life in the Premiership by winning a penalty and an assist in a win over Wigan. His low centre of gravity helps him change directions swiftly with sudden bursts of pace. A mean dribbler and a fecund goal poacher, he is a nightmare for any defence.

Moussa Dembele is another attacking player in the side who has won praise during his stint at AZ Alkmaar. Having helped them to the Eredivisie title in 2009, Dembele moved to Craven Cottage where he has put in a few stellar performances in the 2 seasons thus far.

Axel Witsel is another star in this constellation. At Benfica now, this 6ft 1in attacking midfielder of Caribbean descent already has 5 goals from 30 international caps.

Romelu Lukaku has been touted as the new Drogba because of his imposing frame and threat in the 18-yard box. The sturdy teenager made his professional debut for Anderlecht right after his 16^th birthday and scored prolifically before being scooped up by Chelsea. He has moved to West Brom for a season-long loan to grab more experience and playing time. Lukaku started his spell with a goal on debut in a 3-0 defeat of Liverpool.

Kevin Mirallas had spells at Lille and Saint Etienne before hitting top gear for Greek giants Olympiacos. Scoring an astonishing 34 times in 52 Superleague games, he spearheaded them to successive titles. Last week he joined compatriot Fellaini at Goodison Park to torment defences in England.

Kevin De Bruyne is another of the young turks, and perhaps one yet to prove his mettle, at Chelsea. After starting his career as an attacking midfielder at Racing Genk, he was lapped up by the European champions and swiftly loaned out to Werder Bremen.

Given this plethora of talent at newly-promoted manager Marc Wilmots’ dispersal, Belgium are being tipped to the extent of being one of the contenders at Brazil 2014. Kompany and co. must overcome any challenge posed by Croatia, Serbia, Scotland and Wales before they vindicate the beliefs of fans and pundits alike. Either way, things are certainly looking up for the Rode Duivels, and football fanatics will be eager to watch this golden generation surpass the achievements of the Enzo Scifos and perhaps even draw comparisons with their namesakes from Old Trafford.