Playing as a lot midfielder in Roberto Martinez’s 3-4-2-1, Nacer Chadli managed to earn some brownie points with his two performances against Greece and Russia during this international break.
While Belgium were unable to win either game, drawing both, the West Brom forward picked up an assist in the 3-3 tie against the latter of the two, finding Christian Benteke’s head with an indirect free-kick.
Normally playing further forward with the Baggies, Chadli impressed in a more defensive role, and Roberto Martinez was very impressed with what he saw, as he explained to DH in Belgium after the game.
He said: “I learnt a lot of useful things for the future. For example, I saw Nacer Chadli be fantastic during the two games, and I won’t forget it.”
The West Brom player explained before both games that he would be hoping to get a chance to prove he could be play an important part in this Belgium squad, and it appears he has done just that.
He told RTBF: “I feel I showed some good things. It was my first time on the left for me. Tactically, there’s still a few things to sort out. There’s still time to learn, but I was happy to start tonight.”
Normally occupied by Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, that left wing-back/midfielder role is one of the few up for grabs in a highly competitive international squad.
Having caused a new headache for the former Everton manager, the West Brom player can now return to the Midlands full of confidence, and will undoubtedly be ready to try and hurt Manchester United’s top four chances on Saturday.
