Belgium come to Dublin without many of their star players as boss Roberto Martinez uses this international window to explore the depth in his panel ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
The last time the sides met Ireland were on the wrong side of a 3-0 defeat at Euro 2016, but this game offers an interesting opportunity for Stephen Kenny to test the notable progressions of his team against a high-calibre side – despite the fact that Belgium are not bringing Thibaut Courtois, Jan Vertonghen, Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku and the other players who have acquired more than 50 caps.
But look who they are bringing to the Aviva.
Considering Youri Tielemans, Leander Dendoncker, Thorgan Hazard, Leandro Trossard, Christian Benteke, Michy Batshuayi and Divock Origi are available behind the players who are not travelling, coupled with the fact that Belgium are ranked number one in world, Belgium are a fascinating case study.
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- March 25, 2022
