Rode Duivels urged to adopt offensive line-up against Iran

Belgium’s national team, the Rode Duivels, face Iran tomorrow at the World Cup and coach Rudi Garcia must decide on an attacking set‑up; Romelu Lukaku will not start, and Lille striker Fernandez‑Pardo arrives with eight goals and seven assists in 41 club appearances. In the opener against Egypt, Rudi Garcia saw both positive and negative signals, with a promising central midfield partnership between Nathan Ngoy and Brandon Mechele but defensive frailties on the backs. Garcia now has to choose between a more defensive or a more attacking profile for the Iran match, and winning the game makes the offensive option appear most appropriate. Lukaku’s absence forces a solution; Hayk Milton, a former Dender and Club Brugge player, told Daily he would move Charles de Ketelaere to right wing at the expense of Leandro Trossard. Milton added that de Ketelaere is not at his best as a striker and suggested the 21‑year‑old Fernandez‑Pardo as a more complete option behind Lukaku. "Weet je wat ik hier zou doen? Ik zou Charles De Ketelaere als rechtsbuiten uitspelen, ten koste van Leandro Trossard," Milton said, arguing that de Ketelaere can combine well with Kevin De Bruyne. He continued, "Een goeie zaak, want die moet voor mij echt veranderen. Kijk, De Ketelaere is goed in de combinatie, maar geen echte spits. In afwachting van Lukaku zou ik daar Fernandez‑Pardo zetten," highlighting the striker’s broader arsenal. Milton believes that with Fernandez‑Pardo’s speed, De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and de Ketelaere can exploit Iran’s weaknesses in transition, calling the potential line‑up a "killing weapon". Jeremy Doku will miss the match due to a respiratory infection. Fernandez‑Pardo has already shown his potential for Belgium, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists in 41 appearances for LOSC Lille, while his pace and technical skill could trouble the Iranian defence. The clear hierarchy behind Lukaku is now open, and both Fernandez‑Pardo and de Ketelaere must prove who deserves the striker role for the Rode Duivels.