Top 5 Belgians in the 2012-13 Premier League
The Belgian revolution is in full swing. On Friday, as Croatia lost to Scotland at home (yes, that happened), Belgium beat Serbia at home to all-but secure World Cup qualification for the first time since 2002. The Belgians are certainly dark horses for the tournament as they possess some of the finest European talent with a lot of those players playing in the Premier League including Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen and Moussa Dembele. Although those three just miss out, let’s take a look at the best Belgian talent that was on show in the Premier League in 2012-13.
Jan Vertonghen
After signing for Tottenham last summer, Vertonghen has flourished at White Hart Lane. If you look at his season, the ‘one man team’ of the Premier League just isn’t anymore. He has versatility as he can play at centre-back or left-back, regularly switching between the two all year. He is sure to be a key figure in the Belgian back-line at next years’ tournament.
Romelu Lukaku
What can you say what has not been said already about the 19-year-old striker? He was exceptional in a West Brom team that finished in its highest ever position in the Premier League era. However, he is back at Chelsea next season where he will hope to get regular football in the most important season of his career to date.
Eden Hazard
If it wasn’t for Juan Mata and Frank Lampard’s heroics, there would have been a lot more said about Hazard. He was nominated for both PFA awards and was in the Team of the Year too because of his nine goals and 11 assists in the league. Hazard will only get better next season which is a scary thought for Chelsea and Belgium’s opposition.
Marouane Fellaini
The afro-man in Everton’s midfield enjoyed a more advanced role this season, scoring 11 league goals. He also won over 150 headed duels for all the statistics lovers out there. He has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United and you can see why.
Christian Benteke
He leads Belgium’s line currently and it’s hard to see how he won’t be starting at next year’s World Cup too. He got 19 league goals in his Premier League debut season, an impressive return. ‘Concrete Ron’ Vlaar even thought he should have beaten Gareth Bale to the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
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