On the eve of the 2026 World Cup, the Red Devils can look ahead with peace of mind. Qualification was secured, albeit in a campaign full of changes. With Rudi Garcia as the new national coach and a selection in full transition, Felice Mazzù saw sufficient starting points to positively evaluate the year.
In conversation with RTBF the trainer explained his personal top three players of the year. Hans Vanaken is at the top of Mazzù’s list. According to him, the Club Brugge midfielder brought calm, maturity and efficiency, especially in the periods when Kevin De Bruyne was missing.
According to Mazzu, Vanaken proved his worth between the lines and immediately left his mark on the game of the national team. The fact that he only got his chance with the Red Devils relatively late remains a missed opportunity for Mazzù. “For me, he is one of the best Belgian players today,” it was clear, “and his place in this team is more than deserved.”
In addition to Vanaken, Mazzù also puts Jérémy Doku forward as a standout. According to him, the wing attacker remains a unique weapon due to his explosiveness and his ability to make the difference in one-on-one situations.
Finally, Nicolas Raskin also stood out in a positive way. Despite a difficult club situation at Rangers, he continued to perform with the Red Devils. His mental toughness, coupled with stability and intensity in midfield, impressed. According to Mazzù, Raskin embodies exactly the kind of mentality that Belgium needs heading into the 2026 World Cup.
In episode 23 of the second season of Tijd voor Voetbal, the penalty phase in KRC Genk – Club Brugge, the difficult match of RSC Anderlecht is discussed and STVV continues to convince in the JPL. That and much more in Time for Football.
