World Cup 2018: 5 biggest snubs in national squads

#1 Radja Nainggolan (Belgium)

Radja Nainggolan is the biggest snub for this year's World Cup

Probably the biggest snub and the most bewildering decision, Radja Nainggolan was the one player who absolutely deserved to go to the World Cup.

For a player who has created the most chances and won the most tackles for Roma in the Serie A and Champions League since the 2015-16 season, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez’s claims that Nainggolan was omitted for tactical reasons seem flimsy. Here is a player who can literally play anywhere in midfield and perform whatever role is needed from him, and yet the manager could not find a place for him in the side.

Nainggolan was vital to Roma’s famous Champions League run this season and his performances over the last few seasons have made him one of the hottest properties in world football, but Martinez never took a liking to him.

Nainggolan was given a total of 96 minutes playing time throughout Belgium’s qualification campaign which prompted widespread protests from Belgian fans as well but Martinez was unmoved. His decision seems all the more ridiculous when you consider the fact that Marouane Fellaini, Nacer Chadli and Adnan Januzaj have all been picked over Nainggolan.

Nainggolan can play in an advanced role while also possessing the physicality and defensive skill to play in a defensive midfield role. He can grab the odd goal while providing a fair amount of assists and has emerged as one of the most complete midfielders in world football currently, and yet will have to watch the World Cup from home.

Nainggolan’s off-pitch personality has always been at odds with what the management has wanted from him, but his professionalism has always been beyond reproach.

Martinez’s personal distrust of Nainggolan not only cost Belgium a key player in the middle of the park but also forced a player who proved himself repeatedly on Europe’s biggest stage into an early and untimely retirement. Nainggolan deserved better and was let down by his nation big time.

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Which other player do you think deserved to be selected for the World Cup but wasn't? Tell us in the comments below!