TOP 5: Premier League's Greatest Belgians
Belgium never used to be a footballing powerhouse. Prior to reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2014, 'The Red Devils' had not even qualified for a major tournament since 2002. But a remarkable generation of Belgian footballers have emerged and many have chosen to ply their trade in the Premier League; beginning with Vincent Kompany in 2008. More have made the move to English soil year after year, to the point where the Premier League is now home to some of the most talented footballers that Belgium have ever produced.
Narrowing down the list to just 5 is always a hard task and some may be surprised by some of the names I have chosen to emit. Amongst the players that were considered but have not made the list include Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United fans may be upset he was even considered), Christian Benteke, Thomas Vermaelan, Moussa Dembele and Kevin Miralles. In addition to them, there is one player in particularly that some will be dismayed that has not made the 5. It will become obvious who I am referring to later in this article.
Now onto the list of the Top 5 best Belgians to play in the Premier League. Which Tottenham defender makes the list? Where does a prolific striker rank? Which midfielder ranks as the best Belgian to grace Premier League football? Find out the answers to all these questions in the following pages.
*Thank you to Luke Marsh (@LukeDanielMarsh) for helping me compile this list.
5) Toby Alderwiereld
3) Romelu Lukaku
After breaking through at Anderlecht as a 16 year-old, the world soon took notice and Lukaku became one of the most coveted youngsters in world football. After a couple of prolific seasons in Belgium, Chelsea would win the race to sign the wonder-kid as he joined the West London club for a hefty fee.
Unfortunately for Lukaku, his first season was spent largely on the bench and he was unable to score in the 12 appearances he made. Despite this setback, Lukaku would make his mark in the Premier League after he joined West Brom on loan. At 19 years of age, he managed to score 17 premier league goals for the Midlands side, helping them to a club record 8th placed finish. It is worth noting the season later, without Lukaku West Brom would barely avoid relegation as they finished in 17th place with 36 points.
For the promising striker, a loan spell and then a £28 million move to Everton followed. It is at the Merseyside club where Lukaku looks as if he has fulfilled his world class potential. During his time in Merseyside, Lukaku has scored a total of 83 goals in 157 appearances.
This season has been a breakout season for Lukaku. His 21-goal tally in the league means he is scoring at a rate of 0.75 goals per game. He currently occupies top spot in the race for the golden boot alongside Tottenham's Harry Kane. His form has attracted the attention of the world's top clubs and his reluctance to sign a new contract makes it almost inevitable that he will move in the summer.
In total, at the age of just 23 Lukaku has already played 308 club games, scoring 141 goals. He has also played 55 games for his national side, notching 20 goals in that time. Although honours have been few and far between, Lukaku has broken numerous records; including becoming the first foreign player to score 80 Premier League goals before his 24th birthday. The complete striker has already established himself as a top-class striker, but with years on his side he looks set to move onto even bigger and better things in the future.
2) Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany may be a laughing stock in today's game, but it was the centre back's success with Manchester City which paved the way for more Belgians to make the step to English football.
Having joined City from Hamberg for £6 million in 2008, Komapny was once considered a jack of all trades but soon established himself as a world class centre back. The former Anderlecht man was pivotal for Manchester City as he became their most reliable and talented man in defence. He was awarded the captaincy for his leadership capabilities and his presence at the back was pivotal in their two Premier League wins.
During Manchester City's dramatic title win in 2011/2012, Kompany would have a terrific season and his achievements were recognised as he was awarded the Premier League players of the season. In addition, Kompany has been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on 3 occasions.
Between 2010 and 2015, Kompany was considered by many to be one of the, if not the best defender in world football. His contribution at the back was imperative to his team's success and without his presence Manchester City would not have been crowned Premier League Champions.
Unfortunately, in recent years the colossal centre back has been plagued by injuries. Each comeback has soon ended in tears and Kompany has only appeared 27 times in the past 2 seasons. Manchester City have been shaky in defence ever since and seriously miss their leader at the back. Nevertheless, Kompany was pivotal for Manchester City as they became super-powers in world football and he fully deserves being number two on this list.
1) Eden Hazard
There could only be one man at number one. Eden Hazard has been superb since joining Chelsea in 2012 and he has since transformed himself into one of the world's best players.
In 2012, Eden Hazard controversially announced on twitter that he would join Chelsea in a £32 million move. A hefty price tag, but Hazard would quickly justify that fee as he instantly showed his capabilities in England's top league. Known for his trickery and ability to beat his man, Hazard has been a revelation since joining Chelsea.
Out of the four full seasons he has played, Hazard has been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year three times. In 2013/2014 he won the PFA Young player of the Year and a season later he would take the Players' Player of the Year crown as his side were crowned Premier League Champions.
Although he would suffer a huge lull in form last season, a change of manager has revitalised Hazard's career and he looks back to his best. With Chelsea cruising at the top of the table and in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, Hazard has played a prominent role and looks set to win more individual and collective accolades this season.
In total, Hazard has scored 52 goals in 164 appearances in the Premier League. He has also recorded 47 assists. Barring that one disastrous season, The Belgian wizard has been in mercurial form since joining Chelsea. At this current time not only is he Chelsea's main main, but he is also the best player in the Premier League.
Should Kevin De Bruyne have made the TOP 5? Let me know by commenting on this post or by messaging me on twitter: @JamesStroud1995 @FootballAddick
Narrowing down the list to just 5 is always a hard task and some may be surprised by some of the names I have chosen to emit. Amongst the players that were considered but have not made the list include Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United fans may be upset he was even considered), Christian Benteke, Thomas Vermaelan, Moussa Dembele and Kevin Miralles. In addition to them, there is one player in particularly that some will be dismayed that has not made the 5. It will become obvious who I am referring to later in this article.
Now onto the list of the Top 5 best Belgians to play in the Premier League. Which Tottenham defender makes the list? Where does a prolific striker rank? Which midfielder ranks as the best Belgian to grace Premier League football? Find out the answers to all these questions in the following pages.
*Thank you to Luke Marsh (@LukeDanielMarsh) for helping me compile this list.
5) Toby Alderwiereld
 |
| 5) Toby Alderwiereld has only made one mistake leading to a goal in 84 Premier League games |
It was hard to distinguish between Tottenham's Belgian defenders, Jan Vertonghen or Toby Alderwiereld. In the end, I chose to go for the latter purely because of the impact he has made since coming into to the league.
After joining Southampton on loan from Athletico Madrid in 2014, Alderwiereld would play a huge part in their success as the Saints secured a European spot having finished 7th. Southampton would finish the season with the second-best defence in the league having only conceded 33 goals in their 38 games.
He would earn a move to Tottenham a year later and he would also lead them to great success. Tottenham would finish in 3rd place having been title contenders for much of the year. The North Londoners would finish the year with the best defence in the league. The Belgian centre back would be rewarded for his contribution as he would earn a spot in the PFA Team of the Year whilst also receiving Tottenham's Player of the Year.
This year looks to be following the same pattern: Tottenham are second in the table having only conceded 21 goals. They again have the best defence in the league. This simply cannot be coincidental. Amazingly, Alderwiereld made his first mistake that led to a goal against Southampton last weekend. It was his 84th Premier League game. If that stat doesn't speak volumes about the Belgian's contribution I do not know what does.
Alderwiereld is considered by many as the best centre back in the Premier League and these stats go a long way in reinforcing these claims. Since his arrival in North London, he has transformed Tottenham into genuine title contenders whilst also establishing himself as a world-class centre back.
4) Thibaut Courtios
Occupying the number four spot on my list is Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper, who stands at a giant 6'6", arrived at Chelsea as a twenty year-old from Genk but would spend the following three years at Athletico Madrid.
 |
| 4) Thibaut Courtois - is he one of the top 5 best goalkeepers in the world? |
Occupying the number four spot on my list is Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper, who stands at a giant 6'6", arrived at Chelsea as a twenty year-old from Genk but would spend the following three years at Athletico Madrid.
When Courtois returned in 2014, his impressive performances in Spain had established himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers. He would quickly oust Petr Cech for a starting berth and he would not disappoint as he replicated his form from abroad to the Premier League.
Known for his shot-stopping prowess and as a commanding presence in the penalty area, Courtois would play a huge role as Chelsea regained the Premier League title in the 2014/2015 season. Despite a lull in form a year later, Courtois looks back to his best this year as Chelsea have built up a ten-point lead at the top of the table. Their defence has played a major role in their success as Chelsea have the joint best defensive record in the league.
Unfortunately for Courtois he has not won any individual accolades in the Premier League due to the brilliance of David De Gea. Nevertheless, the former Genk man has still proven his capabilities between the sticks and his performances have established himself as one of the best Goalkeepers in world football.
At just 24 years-old, the Belgian can only go from strength to strength and he is sure to maintain his status as one of the world's best for many years to come.
3) Romelu Lukaku
 |
| 3) Romelu Lukaku's scintillating form look set to earn him a move away in the summer |
After breaking through at Anderlecht as a 16 year-old, the world soon took notice and Lukaku became one of the most coveted youngsters in world football. After a couple of prolific seasons in Belgium, Chelsea would win the race to sign the wonder-kid as he joined the West London club for a hefty fee.
Unfortunately for Lukaku, his first season was spent largely on the bench and he was unable to score in the 12 appearances he made. Despite this setback, Lukaku would make his mark in the Premier League after he joined West Brom on loan. At 19 years of age, he managed to score 17 premier league goals for the Midlands side, helping them to a club record 8th placed finish. It is worth noting the season later, without Lukaku West Brom would barely avoid relegation as they finished in 17th place with 36 points.
For the promising striker, a loan spell and then a £28 million move to Everton followed. It is at the Merseyside club where Lukaku looks as if he has fulfilled his world class potential. During his time in Merseyside, Lukaku has scored a total of 83 goals in 157 appearances.
This season has been a breakout season for Lukaku. His 21-goal tally in the league means he is scoring at a rate of 0.75 goals per game. He currently occupies top spot in the race for the golden boot alongside Tottenham's Harry Kane. His form has attracted the attention of the world's top clubs and his reluctance to sign a new contract makes it almost inevitable that he will move in the summer.
In total, at the age of just 23 Lukaku has already played 308 club games, scoring 141 goals. He has also played 55 games for his national side, notching 20 goals in that time. Although honours have been few and far between, Lukaku has broken numerous records; including becoming the first foreign player to score 80 Premier League goals before his 24th birthday. The complete striker has already established himself as a top-class striker, but with years on his side he looks set to move onto even bigger and better things in the future.
2) Vincent Kompany
 |
| 2) Despite his recent injury problems, Kompany has been one of the Premier League's greatest defenders |
Vincent Kompany may be a laughing stock in today's game, but it was the centre back's success with Manchester City which paved the way for more Belgians to make the step to English football.
Having joined City from Hamberg for £6 million in 2008, Komapny was once considered a jack of all trades but soon established himself as a world class centre back. The former Anderlecht man was pivotal for Manchester City as he became their most reliable and talented man in defence. He was awarded the captaincy for his leadership capabilities and his presence at the back was pivotal in their two Premier League wins.
During Manchester City's dramatic title win in 2011/2012, Kompany would have a terrific season and his achievements were recognised as he was awarded the Premier League players of the season. In addition, Kompany has been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on 3 occasions.
Between 2010 and 2015, Kompany was considered by many to be one of the, if not the best defender in world football. His contribution at the back was imperative to his team's success and without his presence Manchester City would not have been crowned Premier League Champions.
Unfortunately, in recent years the colossal centre back has been plagued by injuries. Each comeback has soon ended in tears and Kompany has only appeared 27 times in the past 2 seasons. Manchester City have been shaky in defence ever since and seriously miss their leader at the back. Nevertheless, Kompany was pivotal for Manchester City as they became super-powers in world football and he fully deserves being number two on this list.
1) Eden Hazard
 |
| 1) Eden Hazard: The best player in the Premier League at this current time? |
There could only be one man at number one. Eden Hazard has been superb since joining Chelsea in 2012 and he has since transformed himself into one of the world's best players.
In 2012, Eden Hazard controversially announced on twitter that he would join Chelsea in a £32 million move. A hefty price tag, but Hazard would quickly justify that fee as he instantly showed his capabilities in England's top league. Known for his trickery and ability to beat his man, Hazard has been a revelation since joining Chelsea.
Out of the four full seasons he has played, Hazard has been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year three times. In 2013/2014 he won the PFA Young player of the Year and a season later he would take the Players' Player of the Year crown as his side were crowned Premier League Champions.
Although he would suffer a huge lull in form last season, a change of manager has revitalised Hazard's career and he looks back to his best. With Chelsea cruising at the top of the table and in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, Hazard has played a prominent role and looks set to win more individual and collective accolades this season.
In total, Hazard has scored 52 goals in 164 appearances in the Premier League. He has also recorded 47 assists. Barring that one disastrous season, The Belgian wizard has been in mercurial form since joining Chelsea. At this current time not only is he Chelsea's main main, but he is also the best player in the Premier League.
Like the article? Be sure to follow me on Blogger and Social Media for future Top 5 posts! The next edition of TOP 5 will be based on 'The best Germans to play in the Premier League'. Thank you for reading!
Should Kevin De Bruyne have made the TOP 5? Let me know by commenting on this post or by messaging me on twitter: @JamesStroud1995 @FootballAddick
Comments
Post a Comment