World Cup 2018 power rankings

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Per Mertesacker of Germany holds the trophy a loft during the 2014 World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at The Maracana Stadium on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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20180327 – Brussels, Belgium / International Friendly Game : Belgium v Saudi Arabia / “nEden HAZARD”nPicture by Vincent Van Doornick / Isosport
20180327 – Brussels, Belgium / International Friendly Game : Belgium v Saudi Arabia / “nEden HAZARD”nPicture by Vincent Van Doornick / Isosport /

7. Belgium

Belgium still have the same generation of gifted players. The same crop of stars well-known to Premier League audiences.

Usually, the talent at the Red Devils’ disposal hasn’t translated into success on the international stage. Things could be different this year, though, for one simple reason.

The presence of Roberto Martinez as coach can liberate the creative players in this squad. Martinez is a progressive tactician who wants his players to boss the ball and attack in expansive and attractive ways.

It’s an approach bound to get the most from Belgium’s two best players, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard. City midfield general De Bruyne did so much to bring the English top-flight title to the blue half of Manchester he was given a newly-created award.

De Bruyne will now have greater freedom to pick passes than he had under pragmatic former boss Marc Wilmots. Similarly, Chelsea winger Eden Hazard is a magician Martinez will grant greater license to roam into central areas.

Letting Hazard and De Bruyne have their way will be welcome news for Lukaku and Napoli forward Dries Mertens. Winger Yannick Ferreira Carrasco and midfield trio Mousa Dembele, Youri Tielemans and Leander Dendoncker only add to the talent in this squad.

Martinez has an embarrassment of riches in both midfield and forward areas, while a defense led by Thibaut Courtois and Toby Alderweireld will be tough to break down.