Van Bommel flags missing true number nine as Belgium struggle against France

Mark van Bommel warned that the Rode Duivels lacked a genuine centre‑forward after their Monday evening defeat to France at the King Baudouin Stadium. The Dutch‑born coach highlighted the absence of a deep‑lying striker who could finish crosses and follow up Mika Godts’ runs, a role he believes is crucial in his preferred 4‑3‑3 system.

Van Bommel’s tactical blueprint

Van Bommel’s approach mirrors the style he employed at Antwerp, where he built a 4‑3‑3 around two solid central defenders, a midfield triangle and two pacey wingers supporting a deep striker. At Antwerp, Vincent Janssen fulfilled the number‑nine role perfectly, providing a focal point for attacks. By contrast, Charles De Ketelaere has struggled to adapt to that profile for Belgium, often drifting behind the ball carrier and failing to convert clear chances.

Why the current line‑up fell short

Against France, the Belgian side repeatedly left the space between the penalty spot and the far post unguarded, allowing Godts to exploit it with dangerous runs. De Ketelaere’s tendency to linger off the ball meant that crosses from the flanks often flew into the penalty area without a striker to meet them. Even when Kevin De Bruyne found him in a pocket between the lines, the lack of a true poacher meant the ball was not finished swiftly.

Romelu Lukaku, the nation’s all‑time top scorer, remained on the bench for the entire match. His poor start to the season in Turkey, where he has yet to score, left him unable to provide the physical presence Van Bommel desired. Similarly, Loïs Openda, who has featured regularly for Lyon, did not receive any minutes despite a profile that could have suited the French defence.

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In the second half Van Bommel introduced Matías Fernández‑Pardo as a replacement for De Ketelaere. The Newcastle‑bound forward, still adapting to English football and yet to score for either club, offered little impact in the limited time available. The coach’s hope that his pressing would force a French error never materialised; instead Michael Olise of Bayern Munich proved decisive for the opponents.

Injuries further narrowed options. Jérémie Doku, who could have provided width on the flank, was unavailable due to a muscle problem. The combination of an out‑of‑form Lukaku, a mis‑firing Openda and a striker lacking the classic number‑nine attributes left Belgium without the decisive edge.

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Looking ahead, Van Bommel identified two young Belgian forwards – Lucas Stassin and Norman Bassette – as potential solutions once the current international break concludes. Both have been called up for the Belgian U‑21 side, though Bassette missed a recent match through injury. Their development could offer the profile Belgium currently misses.