Having said earlier that he would only name 26 players in a preliminary squad, Belgium head coach Marc Wilmots surprised many on Tuesday by naming a "final" squad of 24. The extra player is one of Silvio Proto or Koen Casteels, both third goalkeepers. The latter is currently injured. Wilmots said: "If Koen is fit, he goes. I have talked to Silvio and he knows the situation."
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While there aren't many surprises, a number of decisions have sparked some commotion. Club Brugge, who haven't got a single player in the squad for the first time in 60 years, announced that it comes as a "Great blow to us. We have more Belgians than anyone in the league and are having our best season in nine years. Timmy Simons and Thomas Meunier are key players for Club Brugge and did well for Belgium. To see them left out behind players who do not even hold a starting place at their clubs, puzzles us."
While I understand that it is hard to take, I wonder why Club Brugge are puzzled. Simons is a defensive midfielder. In that position, Axel Witsel is one of seven players Wilmots has named as first choice. Behind him, both Marouane Fellaini and Steven Defour are better options than Simons. Even Radja Nainggolan, a key player for Serie A's number two, AS Roma, hasn't made the squad. As much as I respect Simons, that sort of competition is too stiff for him.
Wilmots eloquently explained his choices: "I called Timmy. It was a tough and emotional conversation. I played with him in Japan and South Korea. He was always an example. A model professional. He was important for the group, but they are now mature enough to take the next step. There will always be a place for him in the Belgium set-up, with me or one of the younger squads. He now has to let this sink in and think it over for a couple of days."
Thomas Meunier is talented and will certainly get his chance later. Toby Alderweireld is Wilmot's choice at right back and he has picked Anthony Vanden Borre as back-up. Wilmots explained that while the first job of a fullback is defensive, Vanden Borre gives him an extra option. "He can push up, with three at the back. He has developed well and is having a strong season. I believe he can deal with this level."
Again, it is hard to argue. Vanden Borre was once seen as an even greater talent than Vincent Kompany. He couples a strong physical presence with flair and technique and seems to have finally found some rest and peace after returning to the fold at Anderlecht. He seems more mature and has been consistently good for his club. Coming off the bench to add extra attacking impetus, Vanden Borre is a fearsome proposition.
The biggest surprise, however, is 19-year-old Divock Origi. Currently at Lille OSC, where Eden Hazard and Kevin Mirallas were also formed, Origi is a massive talent, who scored 10 goals in 19 games with Belgium's U-19s and is said to be followed by Liverpool and Arsenal. Still, I was expecting Jelle Vossen of KRC Genk to at least get a look. Vossen has played with this group and his vast experience could have been a factor. Michy Batshuayi was also tipped to make the squad, but he is one of the six reserves.
Again, Wilmots' argument convinces: "When Christian Benteke was injured, we looked at all possible replacements. We saw Origi against Bordeaux, Olympique Marseille and PSG. He is fast, he has technique and a great mentality. He is strong one-on-one and I see enormous potential. His profile is closest to that of Benteke. I have a good feeling about him. The same feeling I followed after a couple of games with Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois."
It is true that Origi resembles Benteke both in presence and style of play. You could even argue that Origi has better technique. I can certainly see him ending up the better player of the two. And if Wilmots' gut feeling turns out to be as good as it was with Courtois and De Bruyne, Belgium may turn out to be very happy to have Origi in Brazil.
All in all, this is a good and balanced squad, with several options in every position. With Adnan Januzaj also included, there are many possibilities going forward. Belgium have good cover in midfield and defence as well, while with Simon Mignolet, Wilmots has a second goalkeeper whom many wouldn't hesitate using as first choice. Looking at the names, I can't imagine any country looking forward to meeting Belgium.
And in naming his final 23 so soon, Wilmots manages to turn around a classic conundrum. Rather than having to disappoint seven players in June, he now has six extras who have everything to play for in case one of the first choices picks up an injury. Again, it is hard to find any fault at all in the way Wilmots handles things. It only makes the prospect of the World Cup even more exciting.