I honestly don't get some of the responses here. He's now playing as the ultimate puppetmaster, a bit more behind the scenes, but he's pulling the strings from deeper. In his current role for Belgium he'll be making less direct assists but more pre-assists. He'll be scoring less, but he'll be directing general play. He's involved with team tactics, as Martinez has daily talks with only Kevin regarding tactics and strategy. He's never said he is unhappy with his current role in the team and it is clear for the others that he is the director on the pitch.
Because Carrasco and Meunier are playing as wingbacks, and are very offensive, he has them as well as Mertens, Hazard and Lukaku to pick out. Mertens does not play like Hazard at all, he's much more direct. Both in his runs, in his link-up play and his attempts. Mertens is also more cunning and makes a lot more steals in comparison.
Especially Mertens and Meunier, Hazard to a lesser extent, are also excellent providers for Lukaku. Hazard often plays as the perfect decoy. His way of playing draws two or three defenders, making room for Lukaku, Mertens, Carrasco or De Bruyne. People see Hazard being selfish or wastefull (and in a way, he is), but defenders need to make a choice. Lukaku has scored 4 goals, each of them assisted by a different player (De Bruyne, Hazard, Mertens, Meunier). Hazard's assist, started with quick & clever play by De Bruyne right outside Belgiums box, towards Witsel who played to Hazard. Meunier's assist, had a KDB pre-assist from the right, so that Meunier could come inside. Mertens assist was from a steal he managed himself. Kevin's assist, was thanks to Hazard making space for Kevin by drawing away a couple of defenders with a dribble that seemed to be going nowhere.
If you look at attempts from open play by Belgium, compared to those of England, it all becomes clear: 27 for Belgium, 10 for England.
Because Carrasco and Meunier are playing as wingbacks, and are very offensive, he has them as well as Mertens, Hazard and Lukaku to pick out. Mertens does not play like Hazard at all, he's much more direct. Both in his runs, in his link-up play and his attempts. Mertens is also more cunning and makes a lot more steals in comparison.
Especially Mertens and Meunier, Hazard to a lesser extent, are also excellent providers for Lukaku. Hazard often plays as the perfect decoy. His way of playing draws two or three defenders, making room for Lukaku, Mertens, Carrasco or De Bruyne. People see Hazard being selfish or wastefull (and in a way, he is), but defenders need to make a choice. Lukaku has scored 4 goals, each of them assisted by a different player (De Bruyne, Hazard, Mertens, Meunier). Hazard's assist, started with quick & clever play by De Bruyne right outside Belgiums box, towards Witsel who played to Hazard. Meunier's assist, had a KDB pre-assist from the right, so that Meunier could come inside. Mertens assist was from a steal he managed himself. Kevin's assist, was thanks to Hazard making space for Kevin by drawing away a couple of defenders with a dribble that seemed to be going nowhere.
If you look at attempts from open play by Belgium, compared to those of England, it all becomes clear: 27 for Belgium, 10 for England.
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