FIFA World Cup 2018 Analysis: Why Kevin De Bruyne holds the key to Belgium's fortunes
Rostov-on-don: Belgium staged a thrilling comeback on Monday as Nacer Chadli’s last-gasp winner broke millions of Japanese hearts, punching their ticket to the quarter-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
While their ascending display in the group stages was there for everyone to see, there were still questions pondering whether this golden generation was capable of making it count on the big stages.
After the humiliation suffered at Euro 2016 two years ago, a similar tale was unfolding at the Rostov Arena after two quickfire goals from the Blue Samurai left the Red Devils clueless. The Europeans were rattled as Akira Nishino executed his plan with aplomb to frustrate this talented crop.
Countering a high press, Belgium found it hard to play the ball from their three-man backline and Kevin De Bruyne, shouldering the role of a deep-lying playmaker was given no space to breathe.
As a result, service to the forward line was cut short which meant utilising the flanks. Thomas Meunier and Yannick Carrasco pushed upfront but Japan countered with diagonal long balls that forced both full-backs to stick with defensive duties.
Belgium had been outclassed and it was only a clever tactical tweak from Roberto Martinez that allowed his men to avoid one of the ugliest upsets on the biggest stage. Substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Chadli were instrumental in dragging their side across the line, but the change in substitution came as a boost for De Bruyne, who was liberated now to burst forward.
With the scoreline locked at 2-2 at the 94th minute, Noshino threw caution to the wind by pushing his men forward for a corner kick in injury time which heavily backfired. Thibaut Courtois collected the ball from the resulting corner and rolled it towards the path of the De Bruyne, who seized his chance to pin the final nail in the coffin.
But for all his creativity and finesse, were are yet to see the best of De Bruyne in Martinez’s 3-4-3 system. With the thrust of full-backs forward, the burden falls on the Manchester City man and Alex Witsel to fill holes in the midfield.
While Pep Guardiola has extracted the best out of the baby-faced midfielder in the Premier League, deploying him in a free no.8 role enabling him to pick up the empty pockets in midfield and orchestrate play, it is not the same case with the national team.
Witsel’s lack of defensive contribution exposes the defence and shuns De Bruyne the license to roam forward and dictate play in the final third. That often sees him dropping deep to collect the ball and feed his partners.
Suddenly, when Fellaini replaced Dries Mertens in a 3-5-1-1 formation, De Bruyne was given more authority to dictate play like he does best with an extra midfield man, offering more speed and mobility in the build-up.
Needless to say, De Bruyne holds a massive key in Belgium’s bid for a maiden World Cup and its time for Martinez to smartly use his trump card in a system that has looked unconvincing.
They will face one of the stingiest defences on Friday – Brazil – who are yet to concede a goal this tournament and no one else than De Bruyne will know how to better unlock them. While Les Diables Rouges are no short of character like they showcased on Monday, Japan exposed the cracks in their midfield. Time is running short and Martinez must get his act together with a stern test awaiting.
