‘Never-say-die’ captain Robertson
Scotland manager Alex Mcleish described his new captain Andy Robertson as “absolutely inspirational” ahead of the friendly against Belgium.
The 24-year-old Liverpool left-back was let go by Celtic as a youth player before making his way to Anfield via Queen’s Park, Dundee United and Hull and will wear the armband tonight.
The game at Hampden is preparation for the Nations League opener against Albania on Monday night.
“I think it’s obvious, isn’t it,” Mcleish said of Robertson. “It is a brilliant story. He has been playing at the top level in the last year. He
0 Andy Robertson: Skipper.
hasn’t only nailed his position he has got better and better. Every week I see him on television he is making goals from left, right and centre. He is almost like an extra attacker. But for the man himself, for young players, it is absolutely inspirational. For players who were told at nine and 10 – and I don’t know why that happens sometimes – that they will never make the grade and get scunnered by the game and walk away from it.
“Andy has been the epitome of never-say-die, and never give up which is a kind of Scottish trait. He kept going, he persevered and became the player that he is but he also carries himself well in the dressing room. He talks well, assertively, and the players look up to him.” Eden Hazard The Chelsea winger was the difference against Bournemouth and he will be expected to provide the spark in Belgium’s upcoming fixtures. Given the freedom to roam in the 3-4-3 system Martinez operates, Hazard is able to supply Romelu Lukaku from different angles, something that paid dividends in their World Cup campaign.
Toby Alderweireld Alderweireld has managed to regain his Tottenham starting spot this term and, during the 3-0 away win against Manchester United, he showed why he is one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Alderweireld silenced Belgian counter-part Romelu Lukaku and distributed the ball well, something that Martinez will hope he can continue at Hampden.
Axel Witsel
Borussia Dortmund’s new signing has started the season well in the Bundesliga and with the continued absence of Radja Nainggolan, it is up to Witsel to dictate Belgium’s play from deep. With a star-studded front-line, Witsel will be the key in transition from defence to attack.
Romelu Lukaku
The Manchester United striker found the net twice against Burnley, coming into form just at the right time for Belgium. On his day, Lukaku is unplayable and he could have scored five or six against Sean Dyche’s side. His pace and power were not used as often as they should have been at the World Cup but he still managed to score four times and that is something that will prove crucial to Belgium during these upcoming fixtures.