WORLD CUP 2018 UNLEASH

Marouane has his critics but gaffer says he’s a born winner & warrior FACTS & STATS

BELGIUM manager Roberto Martinez has jumped to the defence of Marouane Fellaini, insisting the unloved Manchester United star is a “winner and a warrior.”

Fellaini is expected to start in Belgium’s midfield for their crunch semi-final showdown with France in St Petersburg tonight after playing a vital role in the last two knockout wins against Brazil and Japan.

Although the 30-year-old has just signed a two-season deal at Old Trafford, he’s still largely unappreciated by many United fans who see him as merely a Plan B option. But as Belgium eye a World Cup final, Martinez has saluted the big midfielder.

“Marouane Fellaini is a team player, a footballer who shares best possible mentality for the team,” said former Everton manager Martinez.

“He’s a winner and a warrior. “Every action matters to him. Nowadays you see inconsistency from players but Marouane doesn’t understand that.

“For him, every action is as if it’s the last of the game – he wants to win and puts in the whole effort. His size makes him awkward for opponents but he has good technical ability.

“Technically he is stronger than people think. When you work with him closely you see he has important qualities.”

Fellaini was the catalyst for Belgium’s fabulous last-16 comethe back against Japan, scoring the crucial second goal when the Red Devils looked to be going out. And against Brazil his midfield dirty work (below) helped his country fend off a Samba onslaught. But even though Belgium impresssed against tournament favourites Brazil, Martinez is confident his stars haven’t peaked yet.

“No I don’t think so,” he said. “When you are in the semi-final, it is a unique moment in any career. You don’t have the chance to switch off.

“Instead we have the opportunity to improve on what we did against Brazil so it’s great to be playing a team like France, who are full of special players.

“My players play against them and share dressing

TOO MUCH TO BEAR Marouane Fellaini and Michy Batshuayi are all smiles after Pamir the bear (top) picked Belgium to win tonight