‘What old-timers can do’ – the evolution of Belgium’s golden generation

What Old-Timers Can Do: The Evolution of Belgium's Golden Generation

What old timers can do - Belgium's journey at the 2022 World Cup has defied expectations. After a sluggish start, the Red Devils have clawed their way into the quarter-finals, fueled by a remarkable turnaround against Senegal and a dominant 4-1 victory over the USA on home soil. This resurgence has rekindled hopes for the nation, despite the absence of many stars from their earlier campaigns.

A New Era of Resilience

While the 2014 and 2018 World Cup teams featured legends like Eden Hazard, Mousa Dembele, and Vincent Kompany, the current squad has adapted to a different challenge. Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, and Kevin de Bruyne—core members of the golden generation—remain vital, but their roles have shifted. The team now leans heavily on younger players, who have stepped up in critical moments, leading to a transformation in Belgium's approach.

"I think this is a new era for us," said Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, reflecting on Belgium's recent progress. "It is true that some players from the golden era are still with us, but the World Cup in Qatar was not that good. Now we have another generation, younger people, willing to do great things and write in the history pages for Belgium."

The Transition in Action

Belgium's evolution is evident in their reliance on emerging talent. Kevin de Bruyne, now 35, scored his 38th career goal in a 5-1 group-stage win over New Zealand, but his minutes on the pitch have dwindled. Similarly, 37-year-old Axel Witsel, who recently joined a relegated Girona squad, made only a brief appearance in the USA match. Romelu Lukaku, 33, has contributed three goals but often plays as a substitute, capitalizing on defensive lapses caused by the pressing of 25-year-old Charles de Ketelaere.

Despite their reduced playing time, the veteran players continue to make a difference. Courtois’ saves, Lukaku’s clinical finishes, and De Bruyne’s leadership have been pivotal, though their influence now comes in bursts rather than sustained control. Manager Rudi Garcia has emphasized this shift, dismissing the notion of "veterans" as outdated. "It is ugly. It is awful," he said earlier. "If you are lucky enough as a country to have players of this calibre, then encourage them. This is what Belgium's 'old-timers' can do."

Legacy and Future

Belgium’s golden generation, which reached the quarter-finals in 2014 and the semi-finals in 2018, is now giving way to a new wave of talent. Yet, the older players have not been forgotten. Courtois, Lukaku, and De Bruyne still anchor the team, while the likes of Leandro Trossard—Arsenal’s star performer—have shone with 17 chances created, ranking among the top contributors in the tournament. Their combined experience and adaptability have helped Belgium navigate the challenges of a changing squad.

With the semi-finals approaching, the question remains: can this blend of old and new sustain their momentum? For now, the answer seems to be yes. Belgium’s golden generation may be aging, but their legacy lives on, proving that seasoned players can still shape a team’s destiny in unexpected ways.