Hans Vanaken faces mounting scrutiny over his future with the Belgium national team following a difficult performance against France in the UEFA Nations League, where sports outlets and analysts questioned whether the 34-year-old playmaker can still maintain the necessary pace for international football under head coach Mark van Bommel. With 44 caps and eight goals for the Red Devils, the Club Brugge captain finds himself at a tactical crossroads as younger profiles push for selection ahead of upcoming qualification cycles.
The Critical Night in Paris and the Post-Match Analysis
Belgium’s 4-1 defeat against France at the Stade de France exposed structural vulnerabilities in the midfield, particularly during a dramatic collapse in the final quarter-hour after Dodi Lukebakio had opened the scoring for the visitors. Vanaken struggled to influence the match during his start in Paris, failing to adequately fill the void left by the suspended Kevin De Bruyne. French sports daily L’Équipe handed the Club Brugge midfielder a 4 out of 10 rating for his display in the French capital.
The performance drew sharp criticism from external commentators. In an analysis for La Dernière Heure, Belgian comedian Jérôme de Warzée did not mince words regarding Vanaken’s physical output on the pitch, remarking that the veteran midfielder displayed the mobility of a parking meter during the closing stages.
Tactical Friction Under Mark van Bommel
Analyst Hein Vanhaezebrouck pointed out in Het Nieuwsblad that the tactical philosophy implemented by Mark van Bommel places demands that run counter to Vanaken’s natural strengths. While former managers such as Rudi Garcia integrated the playmaker more frequently, Van Bommel’s system emphasizes defensive solidity, vertical transitions, and rapid counterattacks.
Columnist Hans Vandeweghe added in De Morgen that while De Bruyne would also have faced a difficult evening against the aggressive French press, Vanaken proved even less equipped to cope with the high-tempo demands and quick footwork required at the elite international level. Vanaken’s career spent entirely within the Jupiler Pro League may contribute to his difficulties when the speed of execution increases drastically against top-tier European nations.
Timeline of an International Career Delayed
The debate surrounding Vanaken’s role is shaped by a career trajectory that saw him enter the international setup relatively late. Roberto Martínez handed the midfielder his first call-up at age 26, shortly after Belgium’s run to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. For a long period, Vanaken was restricted to substitute appearances and qualification fixtures, receiving zero playing time during the 2022 World Cup—an omission that symbolized the final phase of Martínez’s tenure.
Yet, his impact during the subsequent tournament matches—outside of a goal and an assist against the United States—remained limited when tested against higher-caliber opponents.
Weighing Experience Against the Next Generation
As Belgium looks toward future tournament cycles with the 2028 European Championship on the horizon, national media outlets remain divided on how to balance Vanaken’s winning mentality and collection of domestic trophies with the need for a squad renewal. While Vanaken remains a reliable option against lower-ranked opponents, his advanced age and limited room for physical growth complicate his utility in high-intensity fixtures.
The question of whether the coaching staff will phase out the veteran playmaker during the remainder of the Nations League campaign or wait until the conclusion of the current cycle remains open.
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