It’s time for the second annual Belgian Waffle Awards, recognising the achievement of Belgium’s greatest talent across Europe. Just when you thought hype surrounding the Rode Duivels couldn’t get any greater after last season’s performances, we hit overdrive in 2012/13.
The national team, under the tutelage of Marc Wilmots, finally came of age, securing a playoff spot, at least, in their World Cup 2014 qualification group. With only two goals conceded and a near perfect group record (W6 D1 L0), it’s no surprise to see the tag ‘dark horses’ thrust upon them. In typical cautious fashion, I hasten to remind the UK press that they’re not there yet, but finally the fearsome potential of the squad is finally reaping results and they deserve to be amongst the contenders.
They have excelled thus far, and the main reason for this is due to the experience and form gained at club level. 68 goals were scored by Belgians in the Premier League 2012/13, with three players reaching double figures. Several have become the hottest property of their side. Christian Benteke was responsible for 40% of Aston Villa’s goal tally, while Jan Vertonghen and Eden Hazard slotted in their new clubs seamlessly (ball boy aside).
But it’s not just in England where Belgians are excelling. Thibaut Courtois continues to impress at Atletico Madrid and Kevin De Bruyne was the standout in a mediocre Werder Bremen side.
Naturally, it was difficult for this humble Waffler to narrow it down to eleven players, such was the high standard. So for this year’s awards process I’ve called upon some friends (‘BelgoFoot’ John Chapman, Benefoot’s Gary Niblock, Bjorn De Cock and Michiel Jongsma, TBW co-editor Luke Harvey and contributor Ben McAleer) to help with me the voting process.
The jury were assigned 15 votes and the results were based predominately on club form, but with an international slant if needed. The person ranked first would receive 30 points, second 25, third 20, fourth 15, fifth 12, sixth 10, then all the way down to 1. Remember, only players plying their trade outside Belgium are eligible.
The competition was so fierce that the following names missed out on the Top 11.
- Axel Witsel – Last season’s No.5 drops out of the reckoning, mainly because the jury haven’t seen enough of him, after moving to Zenit in the summer alongside Hulk. It’s been a tough year for the former Standard player, feeling ostracized by certain sections of the Zenit fanbase. The club finished second in the league.
- Kevin Mirallas - Despite a late season surge, the man with the Golden Bentley (causing teammates to call him Goldfinger) is unfortunate not to make the Top 11. Six Premier League goals is a fair return in a debut season affected by injuries. Mirallas also scored a superb solo goal against Stoke.
- Daniel Van Buyten - Not even winning the Champions League can get you into this list, it seems. The 35-year old might be into the twilight of his career but has been reliable in Bayern’s treble winning side, in rotation with Dante and Jerome Boateng.
- Toby Alderweireld - The versatile Ajax defender accrued the same points as Vincent Kompany in this list, but four members of the jury rated Belgium’s captain higher. He looks set for a move to either England or Germany, picking up the baton from the departed Jan Vertonghen, in securing Ajax’s 32nd title.
Right. So here it is. The Top 11 Belgians from across Europe’s top divisions as selected by The Belgian Waffle and Co.
Credit – Erik Daniel Drost
11th. Vincent Kompany, Manchester City – 34 pts
Last year’s winner just scrapes into the selection, following a season of frustration. The Manchester City and Belgium captain made 26 league appearances for the Citizens, missing a good portion of the run-in due to recurring calf trouble. It’s arguable that without Kompany’s leadership qualities, City struggled to mount a legitimate defense of their title. Yet, Mancini’s side still held the best defensive record in the division even with his intermittent appearances. It’s also true that with the 27-year old present, his performances weren’t up to the incredibly high standard he set on his way to lifting the Premier League, likely because of his stop start campaign.
Kompany’s final game of the season came against Serbia, where he broke his nose, fractured an eye socket and picked up a mild concussion clashing with Vladimir Stojkovic. The former Anderlecht player, who now owns Brussels club BX Brussels, played the remaining 60 minutes with these injuries, demonstrating his fearlessness and commitment on the field. The end of Roberto Mancini reign didn’t end smoothly between player and manager, as he seemed irked by Kompany appearing in, and perhaps placing too much emphasis on, international fixtures after layoffs. With Pellegrini installed, Kompany claims to have ‘unfinished business’. Hopefully we’ll see him back to his best.
- Credit: anders_h_foto
10. Dries Mertens, PSV Eindhoven – 35 pts
PSV’s tenacious winger continued to turn heads in the Eredivisie, dazzling defenders with his trickery and leaving them in his dust not long after. Although marginally less prolific in 2012/13, Mertens still averaged almost a goal every other game (18 in 37 appearances) and has already become a key player in Eindhoven so quickly. His international form has also been encouraging, and until recently he was outperforming Eden Hazard for the Rode Duivels. He’s undeservedly on the fringes now, perhaps seen by Wilmots more as an impact player.
But what an impact player to have. Does a bigger move beckon this summer? With Napoli reportedly taking a look, Mertens could be set for greater things in the run-up to the World Cup.
Credit – Ronnie Macdonald
9. Simon Mignolet, Sunderland – 53 pts
The Black Cats’ season was effectively a write-off. Martin O’Neill’s turgid brand of football saw Sunderland hover dangerously above the relegation zone, and they were seen as certs for the drop, before Paulo Di Canio led them to safety. The one bright light, and probably the only reason Sunderland are still a top-flight club, was Simon Mignolet. The former STVV keeper kept 11 clean sheets during the campaign, in a defence that contains Phil Bardsley and John O’Shea, and repeatedly made top-draw saves.
Known primarily as a shot-stopper before this season, other areas of his game have improved, as Roker Report noted in handing him their Player of the Season Award. While Mignolet can command his area better, his distribution is still a weakness. Liverpool are close to signing him, according to the BBC, and that’s something Brendan Rodgers will need to improve with him, should he sign for the Reds. It’s unfortunate for Mignolet that the unstoppable rise of another young Belgian keeper at the same time keeps him as the national side’s No.2, but a big move in the summer could open that door slightly.
8. Mousa Dembélé, Fulham/Tottenham Hotspur- 61 pts
Reeling after an Marouane Fellaini-inspired Everton turned them over on the opening day, Manchester United found themselves against another Belgian the next game – Mousa Dembélé. Yet again they were caught cold, with the former AZ Alkmaar man pulling the strings in midfield and outplaying his counterparts for the opening 45 minutes. Although United pulled themselves together and came out victorious, many assumed Dembélé had passed his audition with flying colours.
But it was Tottenham Hotspur who triggered £15 million release clause in late August, and weren’t made to regret it. Dembélé made an instant impact alongside Sandro, giving Spurs a new swagger as Ben McAleer put it in December. The 25-year old provided an important link between midfield and attack, and his absence throughout the second part of the season was felt greatly. Although he misses out on Champions League football next year, Dembélé did help Spurs record their best Premier League points total in history. Onwards and upwards, now that he doesn’t need his shooting boots.
Credit – Erik Daniel Drost
7. Romelu Lukaku – West Bromwich Albion (on loan from Chelsea) – 65 pts
Fed up with being on the fringes at Chelsea, Anderlecht’s boy wonder was finally gifted first-team football as former Blues coach Steve Clarke took him to the Hawthorns, on loan. Dubbed the worst £20m player he’d ever seen by Mike Calvin, he undoubtedly had a point to prove. Lukaku took his time to make the starting slot his own, with Shane Long also in good form, but by New Year, he was invaluable, finding the net 17 times.
This was more than any of his Chelsea teammates, enough for Jose Mourinho to say he will be at Stamford Bridge next season. Romelu saved his best moment to the very last, coming off the bench to recover a point against Manchester United, somewhat spoiling Sir Alex Ferguson’s last game, a 5-5 thriller. If Mourinho uses Lukaku correctly, and enough, there’s nothing stopping him bettering his tally next campaign. Yet, there’s that lingering doubt another striker could come in and steal the limelight. By the season’s end, even Calvin had changed his mind.
Credit – Erik Daniel Drost
6. Kevin De Bruyne, Werder Bremen (on loan from Chelsea) – 73 pts
A fellow Chelsea loanee who has caught Mourinho’s eye is Kevin De Bruyne. After returning from his Genk loan, De Bruyne found himself off again, this time to the Bundesliga. Despite Werder Bremen languishing down the order, the driving force was De Bruyne, the catalyst who start moves, influencing the game from all over. Although, this is mostly because the club weren’t sure where to play him. Playing slightly deeper than he’s used to, De Bruyne scored eight times, assisting 11. The most important statistic though is he missed one fixture, showing his worth to Werder Bremen in time of turmoil.
With his league form and tireless performances, Marc Wilmots chose to insert him into the Rode Duivels starting XI on the right. His inclusion has given the team balance, and no player has so quickly become pivotal to how a side plays. He relieves the pressure from the so-called stars and sets the tempo. He is that good. Next year is a crucial year for his development, let’s hope Chelsea see his importance too.
Credit – Erik Daniel Drost
5. Marouane Fellaini, Everton – 87 pts
Big Mo’s importance to the Toffees was already well known to Everton fans, but on the opening day of the Premier League, Marouane Fellaini made his intentions for the season fairly clear. He bustled, out-leaped and manhandled the Manchester United side at Goodison Park, causing many pundits to wax lyrical about his battering ram-like performances. Bounding out of the traps, Fellaini scored six in ten appearances for Everton, as many as his previous 79 games.
It wasn’t long before there were rumours of moving elsewhere, tainting his season slightly. His form notably dipped in the second half of the season, but a return of 11 goals is impressive. It’ll be interesting to see which club he moves to this summer, with David Moyes and Arsene Wenger reportedly keen, and also where he’ll be utilised. Fellaini has said he prefers playing as a defensive midfielder, but his aerial impact further up the field is a useful weapon to have in your arsenal.
4. Jan Vertonghen, Tottenham Hotspur – 123 pts
As Ledley King bade farewell, Spurs fans could count upon a new legend in their ranks. Plying his trade at Ajax, it’s clear to see what Vertonghen’s main attributes are – a calming presence at the back who likes the ball at his feet and isn’t afraid to make tackles either. A last-gasp challenge on QPR’s Junior Hoilett sticks long in the memory. Yet, the 26 year-old isn’t afraid to go forward, looking assured when dribbling out of defence and scoring four times for the club in the league.
Despite taking some time to adjust to his less-preferred left-back position, Vertonghen eventually became the leader at the back. In March, he lifted the Player of the Month trophy for his efforts, scoring beautifully against Swansea in the same month. For country, he’s also been deployed on the left, crossing to great effect on numerous occasions. A very impressive debut season in England, which bodes well.
Credit – Peter Lowe
3. Christian Benteke, Aston Villa – 129 pts
We got it wrong. So badly, badly wrong. A unreliable firebrand who couldn’t hit a barn door was a tad harsh looking back, but many Belgian football experts thought Villa were paying over the odds for a striker who was often unsettled and wasteful in Belgium. What a difference 12 months make. Involved in 49% of Villa’s goals last season, Christian Benteke is now on the most wanted lists of many clubs, for his dominating performances.
His performance at Liverpool was the standout, combining expertly with Andi Weimann to put the Reds to the sword at Anfield. Finishing fourth in the goalscoring standings, Benteke has improved the most of those in this list in the past year. It looks like he’ll be playing elsewhere next year, but it’s win-win for Villa. Still frequently caught offside, Benteke is capable of flubbing his lines, most often for Belgium in one-on-one situations. He has two settings – really good or not at the races, never in between.
But this is splitting hairs, he’s had a phenomenal year, and one no-one but him saw coming. Credit must go to Paul Lambert for his development over the season.
Credit – Ben Sutherland
2. Eden Hazard, Chelsea – 142 pts
Arriving to England on the back of a €30m+ transfer, and with expectations as huge, the former Lille attacking midfielder began life at Stamford Bridge well, contributing to seven of Chelsea’s first eight goals and had standout performances against Wigan and Reading. Sure enough, he couldn’t keep this up and it wasn’t long before some doubted Hazard’s talent, being made one of many scapegoats for Chelsea’s underperforming side. Alongside him, Juan Mata was rightly taking the plaudits.
An altercation with a ballboy against Swansea changed things. On the end of further media scrutiny, Hazard let his football do the talking, and he began to show the impact Chelsea were expecting after his suspension. scoring more frequently and setting up teammates. His performance in the FA Cup against Manchester United first time round stands out from this time. Encouragingly for Rode Duivels fan, Hazard has at last managed to replicate his club form , thanks to Marc Wilmots handling of the player. While second (ahead of Benteke) may seem lofty, there’s no doubt that Eden Hazard has had a decent season on both fronts, although he sadly missed the Europa League final – can he push on further next year?
Credit – wshjackson
1. Thibaut Courtois, Atletico Madrid (on loan from Chelsea) – 167 pts
Without a sense of hyperbole, he is currently the best young goalkeeper in Europe. Since finding himself in the Genk starting lineup at just 16, winning has come easily to the reliable stopper from Bree. A Belgian League title in his first season was followed up by a Europa League trophy in his second. Could the man who has started the #thibauting craze (posing in a typical Courtois acrobatic position) add another success to his already-impressive resume?
But of course. Not many gave Atleti a chance against their city rival Real in the Copa Del Rey final, having not beaten them in 14 years. Courtois had more than a helping hand in overcoming them in the final, with then Real manager Jose Mourinho saying he made ‘fantastic saves’ to keep his team out. The new Chelsea boss has let him return to Atletico for a third and final season however.
In the league, Courtois set a new club record of 820 minutes, without conceding a goal at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, while on his way to the Zamora Trophy. He’s been as good for Belgium too. Only letting two goals in all campaign, Courtois has bailed out his defence several times. Against Macedonia, Belgium could have easily been two down in five minutes had it not been for the 21-year old.
And that’s the most frightening thing. He’s still only 21. A deserving winner of this year’s award as the Best Belgian Abroad, with greater accolades to beckon in his fledgling career.
