Can Leandro Trossard lead Belgium’s next golden generation

A number of Brighton and Hove Albion players have jetted off to Qatar over the past month, starring for nations such as Argentina and Japan and several representing Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup.

Some made it to the knockout rounds while others suffered cruel exits, which the club will have to manage to ensure they remain on track in terms of providing their full efforts in the second half of the Premier League season.

One player that suffered a cruel exit was Albion’s Leandro Trossard after his Belgium side failed to qualify from the group stage after drawing with Croatia on matchday three. A win was essential following a defeat to Morocco in their second fixture of the tournament.

Many have claimed that this is the end of Belgium’s golden generation cycle, and with Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen being in the latter seasons of their career that is somewhat true.

Long-term star players Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne are also in their 30s now and the former does not look like returning to the impressive form he displayed back in 2018 with Chelsea and the national team.

In truth, the squad harboured little hope of achieving glory, so their swift exit was not a huge shock with nations such as Brazil and Argentina being the favourites to become world champions this year.

In the World Cup betting, Brazil are 9/4 favourites to lift their sixth World Cup trophy, owing to the mix of star players such as Alisson Becker and Neymar Jr and the quality of depth that surrounds them.

At the tournament in Qatar, Leandro Trossard was one of Belgium’s few shining lights in a decaying squad; he has been in great form in the Premier League this season and is perfectly suited to develop further and perhaps lead the next generation in the coming international tournaments.

Recent form
Trossard has been one of the top-performing players in the Premier League this season, he has recorded seven goals and three assists in 14 appearances.

The Belgium international is quickly establishing himself as one of the best wingers in the league. He even netted a hat trick at Anfield in recent months and judged on the calibre of performances he has produced this season Brighton may receive lucrative transfer bids for the forward in the near future.

An argument can be made that in terms of statistics Trossard’s form this season could be an anomaly. He recorded 11 goal contributions in the entirety of the 2021/22 season, and he managed 10 in 35 appearances in the 2020/21 campaign. But aside from goals and assists, Trossard offers much more.

Big game coming up! 🔥🇧🇪 #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/oInOfbLCbz

— Leandro Trossard (@LTrossard) November 30, 2022

Some of the main criticisms of Belgium at the World Cup were their lack of intensity and directness, and Trossard offers exactly that.

Whether he scores or provides a goal for a teammate or not, he is always running at defences all game long and is very suited to the modern pressing game.

He is a player that likes to receive the ball between the opposition midfield and defensive lines and drive into space to create opportunities – a style of offence eerily similar to that of prime Eden Hazard.

Belgium’s next generation Belgium’s old guard will likely not feature in the next World Cup in 2026, many of them due to retirement.

The likes of Kevin de Bruyne may hang on for one more campaign, but there is little chance of the likes of a struggling Hazard appearing in North America.

Kevin De Bruyne said Belgium have 'no chance' to win the World Cup 😳 pic.twitter.com/CAmQQHALum

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 26, 2022

Over the next four-year cycle Belgium have an abundance of young talent to bed into their squad from clubs such as AC Milan and Everton, and the likes of Trossard can provide much-needed experience around them.

Although he was not given a huge amount of minutes in Qatar the experience will be vital as he has endured the pressure of performing on the biggest international stage and can bring composure and know-how to those around him.

Trossard’s quality is obvious but in 2026 his experience will be even more vital as Belgium look to kickstart yet another golden generation from its current crop of youth.