By Guy P.

A generation after a gifted Belgian side were knocked out in the second round of the Italia 90 World Cup by David Platt’s wonder goal, in a game they had been dominating, the ‘Diables Rouges’ star is once more on the ascent.  Whilst Belgian footballing talent is dispersed throughout Europe, many of Belgium’s top players ply their trade in The English Premier League.  Here are five of the best:  

Vincent Kompany – In recent years vast sums have been spent on bringing much of the world’s best talent to Eastlands.  However it is defender and current club captain Vincent Kompany, who could be argued to have provided the best value for money, since arriving from Hamburg in 2008.  Reliable, composed and with the technical ability to play in central midfield when required, the Belgian will be looking to add to his existing FA Cup and Premier League titles.

Eden Hazard – The attacking midfield/wing virtuoso has a dizzying array of tricks at his disposal. Still only twenty-one years old, the former Lille star has adjusted quickly to life in the more competitive English Premier League.  His meteoric rise to fully fledged world superstar must only be a matter of time for this prodigiously talented young Belgian.

Thomas Vermaelen – Nicknamed ‘The Verminator’ by Arsenal’s fans due to his efficiency and flawless defensive game, the twenty-seven year club captain is equally effective at the other end of the pitch where he is a regular goal scorer.  With a recent injury crisis the Belgian has even been deployed as a left back, a position in which he has performed admirably.

Marouane Fellaini –  The towering Belgian, of Moroccan heritage, is a fan favorite at Goodison Park having been instrumental in the club’s success since his arrival from Liege in 2008.  The midfielder’s all round game makes him one of the Premierships most versatile players.  It would appear inevitable that he will snapped up by one of the Premier League’s heavyweights in the not too distant future.

Moussa Dembele – Equally adept in central midfield or in a more attacking role, Dembele is a player of outstanding technical ability, whose greatest attribute is his dribbling ability. Now with Tottenham Hotspur, the twenty-five year old has earned rave reviews since arriving at Fulham from Holland’s AZ Alkmaar.

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