Following a four-match stretch in the UEFA Nations League, the Belgian national team has secured 6 points from a possible 12 under new head coach Mark van Bommel. The results, including victories against Italy and Turkey alongside two defeats to France, have provided a clear look at the manager’s tactical preferences and squad hierarchy. According to reporting from VoetbalPrimeur.be, the transition from the previous era under Rudi Garcia has resulted in significant shifts for several players, with some established names losing ground to rising talents.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Return to Form
Kevin De Bruyne has emerged as a central figure in Van Bommel’s early tenure. After widespread questions regarding his international future following the last World Cup, where his effectiveness appeared to wane, the 35-year-old playmaker has demonstrated a physical and technical resurgence. His performances against Italy and Turkey were marked by a sharper, more aggressive style of play, confirming his status as the primary architect of the Belgian attack.
Breakout Performances from Lavia, Godts, and Seys
The recent international window highlighted the emergence of younger squad members. Roméo Lavia has been identified as a significant winner of this period, with his technical class providing a boost to the midfield. Similarly, Mika Godts has impressed with his dribbling ability, creating competition for Jérémy Doku on the wing. On the defensive side, Joaquin Seys has established himself as a viable option at left-back. His ability to handle high-profile opponents such as Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué has, according to VoetbalPrimeur.be, overshadowed the recent form of Maxim De Cuyper.
Tactical Shifts in Defense and Goal
Mark van Bommel has demonstrated a willingness to rotate, though his choices in the backline have been relatively consistent. Players such as Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, and Brandon Mechele have maintained their positions, leaving others to face a difficult reality. Sporza notes that Zeno Debast, previously viewed as a cornerstone for the future, has seen his role diminish significantly, playing zero minutes during this international period. The situation is similar for Arthur Theate and Koni De Winter, who have struggled to break into the starting lineup despite success at their respective clubs.
In goal, the absence of Thibaut Courtois created opportunities for others. Senne Lammens performed reliably across three matches, conceding only one goal. Maarten Vandevoordt made his debut in the final match against France, a 4-1 loss, which provided him with valuable, albeit challenging, experience at the international level.
Struggles for Trossard and Fofana
Leandro Trossard, a key contributor during the World Cup, found himself relegated to a minor role in the Nations League. While an injury played a part in his limited availability, his standing within the squad appears to have shifted. Malick Fofana also faced difficulties in securing playing time, partly due to a late, complex transfer to the Premier League. Despite his current lack of minutes, he remains considered a significant prospect for the future of the Belgian team.
Communication and Tactical Flexibility
The internal atmosphere under Van Bommel marks a departure from the previous coaching staff. Analyst Peter Vandenbempt, writing for Sporza, highlighted that the current communication is “open, clear, and ambitious.” Players are reportedly informed of their starting status a day before matches, a change from the uncertainty that characterized the tenure of Rudi Garcia. Furthermore, Van Bommel has shown tactical adaptability; while the team set up in a 4-3-3 formation on paper against France, the actual structure functioned closer to a 4-5-1, illustrating that the coach is not strictly wedded to a single formation.
Next Steps in the Nations League
The Belgian squad is scheduled to return to action in November for decisive fixtures against Turkey and Italy. Success in these matches will be necessary to secure a top-two finish in their group and complete what would be considered a successful campaign under the new leadership.
