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World Cup Rankings: 4 to 1

By James Fudge

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 14: Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium talk to John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph of England during a pitch inspection prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia 3rd Place Playoff match between Belgium and England at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 14: Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium talk to John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph of England during a pitch inspection prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia 3rd Place Playoff match between Belgium and England at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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This was close and it could have gone either way. The only deciding factor was that I expected it from Kevin De Bruyne.

KAZAN, RUSSIA – JULY 06: Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium celebrates following his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Brazil and Belgium at Kazan Arena on July 6, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
KAZAN, RUSSIA – JULY 06: Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium celebrates following his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Brazil and Belgium at Kazan Arena on July 6, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Manchester City’s star was ineffective compared to usual when playing in a deeper role for Belgium, with Martinez deploying him alongside Alex Witsel to build attacks and break up opposition attacks, giving the creative roles to Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens for Romelu Lukaku to finish (or waste).

It worked against Tunisia and Panama but it didn’t work when Belgium need it most. They were 2-0 down against Japan when De Bruyne was trusted into a more forward position to link up with Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku to perform a role in the comeback, with Belgium’s third goal coming from his lung-bursting break.

He was delightful against Brazil and even performed against France, however, their defence remained strong. England couldn’t match the quality from the former Wolfsburg and Genk player as he came home with a bronze medal.

Justifiably, he was named in L’Equipe’s World Cup team of the year. Ended the tournament with a goal and two assists to his account for the Red Devils.

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