The Belgian golden generation is filled with stars, who have excelled in their respective clubs. The set of players, however, have failed to achieve significant success at the national stage. Here is what Roberto Martinez had to say about the bunch of players.
Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the best footballers in the world for years. What makes him such a special player?
You will not see any other player with that profile, a player who knows how to invent a pass, an opportunity to score. We have seen it for several years. Okay, there are a lot of players who know how to dictate the game, game architects who see things that no one else sees. The difference with Kevin de Bruyne is that, at the same time, he speeds up the game. He takes the role of architect of the game to a higher level and brings real intensity, with or without the ball at his feet, and quality in the final third of the pitch. That is why he is a unique player of his kind in Belgium and in modern football.
Speaking of quality, Belgium has it to the brim in all demarcations, but what are the great assets of the Red Devils?
The main strength of the team is undoubtedly the way in which the players understand each other and the joy that being part of the team brings them. Let’s not forget that a lot is expected of this selection and that this is not something easy to bear. I have the feeling that the players like the fact that they are the ambassadors of Belgian football. They, who mostly carry out their trade abroad. A player who likes pressure, being in the spotlight to achieve great things with his country, is something extraordinary.
People often talk about Belgium’s “golden generation”. Does that add to the pressure?
At the beginning, the golden generation was the one that had done well in the 1986 World Cup. Today it is something completely different. The term “golden generation” is an expression that can be used here because in this case it is a generation that has left an indelible mark, both at the Federation level and in terms of success on the pitch. This generation will be able to serve as a guide for future generations. The players find it normal to use that expression and are used to it. Since it undoubtedly dates from before the 2018 World Cup. Of course there is pressure, a lot of expectations, and that is not always positive. But now that is something that is part of the group.
