'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Defence
Right Back
'The Lion of Rekem' Eric Gerets is undoubtedly the greatest Belgian defender of all time. With his stamina, mental toughness and attacking approach, Gerets was an inborn leader on the field.
After a successful career at Standard Liege, he captained PSV Eindhoven to their first and only European Cup victory in 1988. He led the national side at three consecutive FIFA World Cups, including a fourth place finish at FIFA World Cup 1986, which makes him the perfect captain for our side.
Honourable Mention: Gilbert Van Binst
Right Centre Back
As mentioned earlier, Belgium has always been renowned for their attack-minded approach, and nothing portrays this mentality more than an attacking centre-back. Called 'The Entertainer' by his teammates, Philippe Albert was a defender known for his forward runs into opposition halves.
Winner of three Belgian League titles and one Belgian Golden Shoe award, Albert first grabbed limelight at the 1994 FIFA World Cup for his performance with the national side. In the very same year, he was signed by Newcastle United. Albert quickly became a fan-favourite at Newcastle, captivating everyone with his attacking display. People still talk about his audacious chip over Peter Schmeichel from 25 yards!
Honourable Mention: Michel Renquin
Left Centre Back
One of the greatest centre-backs in the world in recent times, Vincent Kompany was an automatic choice for this spot, thanks to his physical dominance and excellent defensive skills.
Winning the Belgian Golden Shoe as a teenager, Kompany helped Anderlecht win two Belgian Pro League titles. At the peak of his career, he led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2011-12 season. Kompany has been the backbone of Belgium's new golden generation, leading them by example.
Honourable Mention: Walter Meeuws
Left Back
Predominantly a centre-back, Jan Vertonghen has time and again proved his ability to operate in the left part of the pitch. Moreover, legend Johan Cruyff himself admired Vertonghen's left footed play.
Graduating from the famed youth academy of Ajax, he established himself as a key member of the side within one year. Alongside two Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups, Vertonghen also won the Dutch Footballer of the Year award in 2012.
He made an immediate impact in his new club, Tottenham Hotspur, making it to Premier League PFA Team of the Year in his debut season. Apart from his defensive prowess, Vertonghen possessed the ability to score at crucial times, including one for Belgium at FIFA World Cup 2014.
Honourable Mention: Armand Awartenbroeks
