Euro 2016: Wales vs Belgium - 5 players to watch out for

#5 Toby Alderweireld

Alderweireld will have his hands full leading an inexperienced backline

Although Alderweireld would not be in minds of most of the readers when they compile their own lists of this sort, but the Tottenham Hotspur man will play a crucial role in tonight’s encounter. With Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen missing through injury and suspension respectively, the onus is on Alderweireld to lead a very inexperienced back-line against the threat posed by Gareth Bale and company.

A modern day centre-back, Alderweireld combines all aspects of defending with an ability to play out of defence. An imperious header of the ball, Alderweireld gave Belgium a crucial and nerve-soothing lead against Hungary in their round of 16 encounter. The 27-year-old has looked very comfortable in the centre-back position thus far, but it remains to be seen how he deals with the pressure of the absence of senior defenders around him.

Alderweireld will have to ensure the rest of the Belgian defence are well equipped to quell the threat of Bale. As a leader, he must ensure the likes of Ciman and Jordan Lukaku do not switch off on the flanks, a place where Wales pose the greatest threat.