Fresh off their rather positive World Cup, Belgium were among the favourites to win the UEFA Nations League, but that all went out of the window when they went ahead and lost to Switzerland 5-2.
Easily the national team’s worst performance since Roberto Martinez took over from Marc Wilmots, part of the problem was a defence that looked lethargic and two steps behind Switzerland’s attack.
Among those on the pitch was Vincent Kompany, whose years appeared to catch up with him very quickly over the course of the 90 minutes, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
In an article for Sport/Foot Magazine, former Sheffield Wednesday and Belgium forward Marc Degryse looked at the situation.
He said: “Lack of leadership, lost in duels, incapable of reading the game, lack of rhythm. All this in a game at international level, it’s a lot, and it’s very obvious. With such a performance, I understand why Pep Guardiola doesn’t count on him anymore.
“One can legitimately ask questions about the future because how can you find rhythm if you’re not playing at club level? Is he part of the future? The good World Cup semi-final and the fans’ welcome surely convinced him to continue with the national team, but since then, it’s all come crashing down.”
Despite injuries hampering his career over the past few years, Kompany has managed to stay relatively healthy this season.
However, that hasn’t guaranteed him game time at the Etihad, as Pep Guardiola has started him just three times in the Premier League, and only once in the Champions League.
Carabao Cup? Two starts from a potential two. It’s clear to see this year could be his last, especially with a contract ending in June 2019.
