Football

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez names midfielder as ‘world’s best playmaker’

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez says Kevin De Bruyne is the best playmaker in world football.

As reported by talkSPORT, Martinez believes his midfield maestro is at the top of his game heading into the 2022 World Cup.

De Bruyne has yet again starred for Manchester City this season. He has two goals and 11 assists from his 15 games in all competitions.

Both goals and nine assists have come in the Premier League. His other two assists have arrived in the Champions League.

Moreover, the Belgian has formed an almost unstoppable relationship with Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has more often than not found himself on the end of a pinpoint cross from his midfield teammate.

City are currently second in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Arsenal. They are, however, top of their Champions League group. Pep Guardiola’s men are unbeaten in their five matches so far.

Their star midfielder De Bruyne has been a hugely important member of that success. And his national team manager believes there is currently no one better in the position than the Belgian.

De Bruyne finished third in the recent Ballon d’Or 2022 awards. Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema clinched first, with Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane in second.

De Bruyne

De Bruyne the ‘world’s best playmaker’

“We have certain players who are at the peak of their careers, and for me, De Bruyne is the best playmaker in world football,” said Martinez.

“He got the highest position ever of a Belgian player in the Ballon d’Or.

“The role he has at Man City and the way he has been developing, it makes him one of the stars of the tournament, not just a star of Belgium.”

Can De Bruyne lead Belgium to World Cup glory?

Belgium have been tipped to shine in many previous World Cup tournaments in recent years. But the best the Red Devils could manage was third place at the 2018 tournament.

The upcoming edition may just be the final chance of glory for the likes of De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku. The star-studded team certainly has a chance of making it far this winter.

De Bruyne and his teammates will meet Canada in their opening match in Qatar on 23 November. A fixture against Morocco follows four days later on 27 November. And Roberto Martinez’s side then play Croatia on 1 December.

Next Belgium generation could be key

The old guard of De Bruyne and Co. will be crucial for any success in Qatar. But Belgium also have a handful of young stars who will be equally key in achieving success.

Everton’s Amadou Onana is one such player. The 21-year-old has been a rock in defensive midfield for the Toffees since joining.

Fellow 21-year-old Charles De Ketelaere will also be one to watch. The attacking midfielder has set Serie A alight this season for AC Milan.

But the aforementioned veterans, along with the likes of Axel Witsel, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen will still be ready to fight for World Cup glory. It may just be their final shot on the big stage.

De Bruyne


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