World Cup
Vanaken joins duo as Belgium seek fresh dynamism
Belgium face a nerve-shredding wait to learn if they have reached the next round. Within 24 hours the outcome will be known, but until then the Red Devils’ camp is a pressure cooker of anticipation.
Analyst Kamiel Van De Perre would include Johan Vanaken in the starting eleven if he were calling the shots. "I would bring Vanaken in," he told Live. "I would pair him with Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans because against New Zealand you can play attacking football."
Van De Perre’s proposed back four also features three Club Brugge alumni: Lois Openda Mechele, Aster Vranckx and Arthur Theate. The right-back slot is pencilled in for Jorne Seys, a player who has already proven himself in the Champions League.
"Seys has shown at Champions League level he can deliver," Van De Perre said. "He could bring a touch of frivolity to the team." His view was echoed by Franky Van der Elst, who told the studio he had written the same eleven in his newspaper column.
"Castagne and Meunier at right-back? We need a different dynamic," Van der Elst said. "I’m not saying it’s only down to the right-back, but with Cacace on the left and Just cutting inside, Seys on the right makes sense."
Former international Gert Verheyen struck a cautious note. "I like the idea, but you end up with two pure right-backs on the bench," he said. "It’s down to the coach to solve these puzzles. Ultimately you have to play well, and that applies to everyone."
The debate centres on whether a more fluid shape can unlock Belgium’s attack against New Zealand. Three Club Brugge players feature prominently in the proposed XI, underlining the club’s influence in Roberto Martinez’s squad planning.
Verheyen added: "I had the same thought about Jeremy Doku, but if you don’t play well it counts for nothing. Quality must come first."