Vanaken’s age and pace spark debate over Belgium’s future

At 34, Hans Vanaken has amassed 44 caps and eight goals for the Rode Duivels, delivering solid performances in recent Nations League fixtures, yet his limited impact against top‑level opponents fuels a growing debate about whether his place in the squad should survive the generational shift.

A late start under Roberto Martinez

Vanaken did not receive his first call‑up until he was 26, when Roberto Martinez selected him shortly after Belgium’s 2018 World Cup semi‑final. The Club Brugge midfielder then featured only sporadically, appearing in the inaugural Nations League and playing two Euro 2020 qualifying matches, the latter providing him a solitary minute against Finland. He was limited to brief spells on the pitch, never establishing a regular role.

His involvement grew in subsequent qualifying campaigns, yet he was omitted entirely from the 2022 World Cup squad. Under Domenico Tedesco he seemed to disappear from the plans, but Rudi Garcia restored him as a regular, recognising his two‑time (now three‑time) Golden Shoe pedigree. Garcia’s trust turned him into a fixture in the midfield, often deployed as a deep‑lying playmaker.

Vanaken helped Belgium win the Nations League play‑off second leg against Ukraine and added goals against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein in the World Cup qualifiers, plus an assist versus Croatia a week before the tournament in the United States. These contributions earned him a place in the final World Cup squad, arriving with confidence. His performances in the qualifiers reinforced his belief that he could compete at the highest level.

Belgium’s third‑place finish keeps them out of Nations League playoffs

At the Qatar World Cup he was decisive only against the United States, scoring and providing an assist. In the group stage he entered late against Egypt, played half an hour versus Iran, and completed a full match versus New Zealand without creating a clear chance. Overall, his tournament minutes were modest, and Belgium’s progress relied on other creative outlets.

Style, strengths and limits

Vanaken’s calm, technically gifted style has benefited the Rode Duivels in recent Nations League fixtures, yet when opponents increase tempo and intensity his rhythm and speed falter. Spending his entire career in the Jupiler Pro League may limit his adaptability to higher‑pace international play. At Club Brugge he has collected around fifteen collective trophies, reflecting a winner’s mentality.

Belgium’s elimination by Spain in the Nations League highlighted these concerns; in the subsequent match at the Stade de France, with Kevin De Bruyne unavailable, Vanaken lost possession frequently and generated little danger, failing to prove he can be a reliable option against elite sides. The Monday night fixture at the Stade de France ended in a defeat that left the squad searching for alternatives.

Belgium must win to stay clear of Nations League relegation

At 34, his limited growth potential, the generational turnover favoured by Mark Van Bommel, and the emergence of younger midfield talent raise doubts about his future role. While he can still contribute against weaker opponents, the question remains whether Belgium should opt for a younger player ahead of Euro 2028, a decision that has yet to be made. The coaching staff must decide whether to retain him for the remaining Nations League fixtures or replace him before the Euro 2028 qualifying cycle.