Competitie: Praet Basisplaats? Opstellingen
The debate surrounding Dries Praet's role in the Belgian national team has been a hot topic among fans and experts alike. With the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the question of whether he should be a starting player or a substitute is a crucial one. Let's delve into the potential lineups and analyze Praet's impact on the Belgian team.
The Case for Praet as a Starter
Dries Praet's versatility is his greatest asset. He can operate effectively in a number of positions, including central midfield, attacking midfield, and even as a winger. This adaptability allows him to slot seamlessly into different formations, making him a valuable asset to Roberto Martinez's squad.
His passing range and vision are exceptional, allowing him to unlock defenses and create chances for his teammates. He's also a capable dribbler and can hold the ball effectively, giving the Belgian attack a different dimension.
The potential for Praet as a starter is significant. He could partner with Kevin De Bruyne in a two-man midfield or play alongside Youri Tielemans in a three-man midfield. His ability to adapt to different roles and formations makes him a valuable asset to the team, regardless of the chosen system.
The Competition for the Midfield Spots
However, competition for midfield spots is fierce. Tielemans and De Bruyne are essentially guaranteed starters, leaving limited space for other players. The likes of Dennis Praet, Axel Witsel, and Amadou Onana are all vying for those crucial midfield positions.
Praet's consistency has been called into question. While he can be brilliant, he's also prone to disappearing in certain games. This lack of consistent performances could be a reason for Martinez to favor other midfielders.
Potential Lineups with Praet
Here are a few possible lineups that feature Dries Praet:
4-3-3 Formation:
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defense: Castagne, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Carrasco
- Midfield: Praet, De Bruyne, Tielemans
- Attack: Lukaku, Hazard, Mertens
4-2-3-1 Formation:
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defense: Castagne, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Carrasco
- Midfield: Praet, Witsel
- Attack: De Bruyne, Mertens, Hazard
- Forward: Lukaku
3-4-3 Formation:
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defense: Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Denayer
- Midfield: Carrasco, Praet, Tielemans, Meunier
- Attack: Hazard, Lukaku, Mertens
Conclusion
Ultimately, Dries Praet's role in the Belgian national team will depend on Roberto Martinez's tactics and selection choices. He has the talent and potential to be a valuable starter, but he'll need to consistently deliver high-level performances to earn a regular place in the lineup. The competition for midfield spots is fierce, and Praet will have to battle for his place. His impact on the team, whether as a starter or a substitute, will undoubtedly be interesting to watch in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.