Top 5 Belgians in the Premier League

The Premier League is home to innumerable foreigners from various countries across the world. Almost every country where football is a prime sport has their representation in the English top-flight.

Amongst these countries, the Belgian contingent is a relatively new entry. However, they are spread across all the top teams in England now and are vital to their team's fortunes.

The country is witnessing its Golden Generation and a majority of them ply their trade in the Premier League. Here are the top 5 Belgians currently playing in the Premier League and operating at the highest level.

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Special Mention - Vincent Kompany, Manchester City

The big Belgian is the longest-serving representative in the Premier League, having been with Manchester City since 2008. Thus, he can be considered the first top Belgian in the Premier League.

However, the City captain has struggled for fitness in recent seasons. The 31-year old is no longer the same player despite still being the best defender at the Etihad.

Hence, the two-time PL winner does not make it to the top 5 on this list.

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#5 Toby Alderweireld/Jan Vertonghen, Tottenham

The Spurs duo can be considered to be the best defensive pairing in the Premier League

Both Alderweireld and Vertonghen are two of the biggest reasons behind Spurs' consistency in the past few seasons. The centre-back duo play for Belgium and it is difficult to pick one out of the two.

While Vertonghen is the better ball-playing defender who can get forward and also play at left-back, Alderweireld is the old-school tough-tackling defender with an eye for a long pass. The former is excellent in reading the game and making key interceptions. On the other hand, the latter has a great knack of not conceding fouls, highlighting his ability and intelligence.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has two of the best defenders in the world at the heart of his defence and the Belgian duo can be considered to be the best pair in the league at the moment.

#4 Thibaut Courtois, Chelsea

Courtois has already won a lot at 25

Courtois already has a large trophy cabinet despite being only 25 years of age, which is relatively young for a goalkeeper. The Belgium no.1 signed for Chelsea in 2011 and has gone on to win two PL titles with them.

Further, the shot-stopper spent three successful years on loan at Atletico Madrid, winning the Europa League in 2013 and the La Liga in 2014 as the no.1 keeper for the club.

Thus, Courtois is not only an elite goalkeeper but also a very successful one. If he continues to be consistent, there is no limit to what he can achieve with Chelsea alone or at any other club. The Golden Glove he won in 2016/17 is only the beginning of many more awards and trophies for the Belgian.

#3 Romelu Lukaku, Manchester United

LukakuRomelu Lukaku is already set to become a Premier League legend. The 24-year old striker moved from Everton to Manchester United for a whopping £90 million deal.

The lead striker for Belgium has already built a reputation for knowing where the goal is in the Premier League. He is the only foreigner to score more than 80 league goals before turning 24 in the country.

Thus, Lukaku already has the makings of a top striker and his move to United should make him a better all-round striker while upping his scoring rate. His combination of pace, strength and power make him perfect for English football and by the time he is done with England, one could find him higher up the list.

#2 Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne is a complete attacking midfielder

Pep Guardiola, who has managed Lionel Messi, had this to say about Kevin De Bruyne last year, "Messi is on a table on his own. No-one else is allowed. But the table beside, Kevin can sit there." Coming from a former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager, this is high praise indeed.

No wonder, De Bruyne is considered to be one of the most complete attacking midfielders in world football today. The playmaker can pick out exquisite passes, create chances through the middle or by crossing from the wing, adept at scoring from free-kicks and knows how to score goals.

The only weapon missing from his arsenal is a mental one; consistency. De Bruyne came into his own at German club Wolfsburg where he ran the show before City snapped him up. At 26 years of age, he is entering his peak years and the club is playing its most vital season under Guardiola.

Thus, De Bruyne has a great chance to be the player around whom the team is built and winning trophies would fetch him the individual accolades his talent deserves.

#1 Eden Hazard, Chelsea

Eden Hazard is the top Belgian in the Premier League at the moment

In all honesty, a fit Kompany playing like before would have been the only true competitor for Hazard. Both have won two PL titles apiece and were central to their teams' victories. In fact, Kompany's longevity, consistency and leadership could have edged Hazard as well.

However, coming to sheer talent and further potential, there is no doubt Eden Hazard is not only the top Belgian in the Premier League, but also a top-5 player in the country. The left-midfielder-cum-winger is a devastating combination of pace, directness, creativity and goals. His technique coupled with his ability to hold on to the ball in tight spaces make him extremely difficult to play against for any opposition.

The former Lille winger is just 26 years of age and will be looking to add more trophies to his collection while finally making a mark on the European stage.

Thus, Eden Hazard tops the list of the Belgian contingent in the Premier League and every season could see a definite change in this order.