Belgium’s Midfield Crisis: Why Vanaken’s Return Isn’t Just About One Player
November 22, 2023 • Updated 15:30 UTC
Belgium’s World Cup squad faces a tactical dilemma ahead of their Group H opener against Iran (26 November, 16:00 UTC at Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah): whether to start Hans Vanaken in midfield despite his recent injury absence, or risk losing offensive firepower. While Vanaken’s inclusion has become a rallying cry among analysts and fans, the deeper issue—how to construct an effective midfield trio—remains unresolved, according to multiple Belgian sports outlets and tactical experts.
Vanaken’s Return: A Tactical Fix or a Distraction?
Vanaken, Belgium’s most creative midfielder, has been sidelined since a calf injury sustained in September. His absence has forced manager Domenico Tedesco to experiment with combinations like Leander Dendoncker, Dennis Praet, and Charles De Ketelaere, none of which have fully replicated Vanaken’s offensive dynamism.
According to Nieuwsblad, one unnamed member of Belgium’s coaching staff proposed a solution: “I’ve found a way to get Vanaken back in the starting XI.” The suggestion—likely involving a rotated or hybrid midfield—reflects growing frustration with Belgium’s lack of a settled midfield structure. HLN noted that the Red Devils have struggled for years to find the right balance, with Vanaken’s departure exacerbating the problem.
Why the Midfield Debate Goes Beyond Vanaken
Vanaken’s potential return isn’t just about filling a gap; it’s about whether Belgium can finally resolve a structural weakness. sporza.be reported that analysts are questioning why Tedesco hasn’t yet settled on a midfield trio, with some suggesting the current setup lacks defensive solidity and creative spark.
A key concern is the balance between defensive midfielders and box-to-box players. Dendoncker and De Ketelaere provide physicality and passing range, but neither offers the same end-product creativity as Vanaken. Praet, a more direct forward-thinker, has been used in a deeper role, but his defensive contributions remain inconsistent.
Former Belgium striker and current pundit Romelu Lukaku (as cited by Voetbalkrant.com) went further, arguing that if Vanaken starts, Leandro Trossard—currently the lone creative force in attack—should be moved to a deeper role to free up space for Vanaken’s runs. “You can’t have Trossard as the only playmaker,” Lukaku said. “That’s not sustainable against teams like Iran or Morocco.”
Belgium’s Midfield Evolution (2022–2023)
- 2022 World Cup: Vanaken (2 starts), Dendoncker (5), De Ketelaere (1)
- 2023 Nations League: Dendoncker (3), Praet (2), De Ketelaere (1)
- Current 2023 World Cup squad: Vanaken (0), Dendoncker (1), Praet (1), De Ketelaere (1)
Source: Belgian FA squad lists, FIFA World Cup records
Tactical Options: What’s the Best Midfield Setup?
With Iran’s defensive structure likely to exploit Belgium’s lack of a settled midfield, Tedesco faces three primary options:
- The Vanaken Gambit: Start Vanaken alongside Dendoncker and Praet, with Trossard dropping deeper. This would prioritize creativity but risk defensive vulnerabilities against Iran’s counterattacks.
- The Defensive Anchor: Keep Vanaken on the bench, opting for Dendoncker, De Ketelaere, and Praet. This setup offers more balance but may lack the end-product Belgium needs to break down Iran’s low block.
- The Hybrid Approach: Rotate Vanaken in for the second half, allowing Tedesco to assess how the midfield performs without him before committing.
HBVL reported that Thibaut Courtois, Belgium’s captain, has not publicly weighed in on Vanaken’s selection, though team sources suggest the goalkeeper supports a more aggressive approach. “We need to play with more freedom,” one source told HBVL. “Vanaken gives us that.”
The Bigger Picture: Belgium’s Midfield Identity Crisis
Belgium’s midfield struggles predate Vanaken’s injury. Since the 2018 World Cup, the Red Devils have cycled through combinations—often without a clear tactical blueprint. The 2022 World Cup saw Vanaken’s creative output (3 assists in 5 games) contrasted with the defensive frailties of Dendoncker and De Ketelaere.
Analysts point to two key issues:
- Lack of a Defensive Pivot: Belgium’s midfield has rarely had a player who can both break up play and contribute to build-up. Thomas Meunier has filled this role in some phases, but his defensive work rate has declined since his move to Paris Saint-Germain.
- Over-Reliance on Wingers: With Kyle Van den Boogaarde and Jeremy Doku providing width, Belgium’s midfielders often play too narrow, leaving gaps in transition.
According to HLN, Tedesco’s challenge is to find a midfield that can transition seamlessly between possession and pressing. “Vanaken is the easy answer,” said one analyst, “but the real question is whether Belgium can build a system that doesn’t collapse without him.”
What Happens If Vanaken Starts?
If Vanaken earns a starting spot, the tactical implications are significant:
- Higher Pressing Intensity: Vanaken’s direct running would force Iran to play deeper, potentially opening up space for Trossard and Lukaku.
- More Direct Play: Belgium’s passing networks would likely become more vertical, with Vanaken acting as a focal point for through balls.
- Defensive Risks: Iran’s counterattacks could exploit the higher line if Dendoncker and Praet struggle to cover transitions.
Conversely, omitting Vanaken could lead to a more conservative, possession-heavy approach—one that may struggle against Iran’s physicality and tactical discipline. Nieuwsblad suggested that Belgium’s lack of a clear midfield plan could be a red flag for their entire campaign.
Looking Ahead: The Iran Test Case
Belgium’s 26 November match against Iran (Group H) will be a litmus test for Tedesco’s midfield strategy. Iran, managed by Dragan Skočić, is expected to sit deep and counter through Karim Ansarifard and Mehdi Taremi. Belgium’s ability to break down this block will hinge on their midfield’s creativity and defensive organization.
Key Dates to Watch:
- 26 November (16:00 UTC): Belgium vs. Iran (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)
- 30 November (13:00 UTC): Belgium vs. Morocco (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- 4 December (18:00 UTC): Belgium vs. Canada (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
Tedesco’s decision on Vanaken will set the tone for Belgium’s World Cup. If the midfield remains unsettled, the Red Devils risk repeating the tactical inconsistencies that plagued their 2022 campaign.
Three Critical Questions for Belgium’s Midfield
- Can Vanaken’s return solve Belgium’s creative deficit? His inclusion would add directness, but the midfield’s defensive structure remains unproven.
- Is there a midfield trio that works without Vanaken? Dendoncker, Praet, and De Ketelaere lack the same end-product creativity, raising doubts about Belgium’s long-term plan.
- Will Iran exploit Belgium’s midfield vulnerabilities? Their counterattacking threat could punish any lack of defensive discipline in transition.
