How many teams at this can boast two forwards with such different qualities? Belgium are certainly among the few sides who can call on a penalty-box presence like Romelu Lukaku and a player with Charles De Ketelaere’s No10-like qualities.
De Ketelaere has started two of Belgium’s three matches as a false nine, but it was 'Big Rom' who made the decisive contribution in both, coming off the bench to help secure a and then scoring against New Zealand to round off a which lifted Belgium above the Egyptians at the top of the group. on goal difference.
Atalanta forward De Ketelaere is yet to get off the mark at this World Cup, but he has played his part in Belgium’s attacking play in the early stages of the tournament.
“Scoring is obviously the best feeling, but providing assists is important too,“ De Ketelaere said at the pre-match press conference ahead of Belgium’s Round of 32 tie against Senegal in Seattle. “They are one of my strengths.“
De Ketelaere has already played in the centre-forward position for Atalanta, with several coaches looking to make the most of his physical and technical ability, as well as his knack for finding space between the lines. His preferred role, though, is as a second striker or attacking midfielder behind a No9 such as Lukaku.
“We have to use our physical strength at this tournament, and Charles is a big part of that because of what he brings as a centre-forward,” said Belgium coach Rudi Garcia.
It is only natural that Lukaku should give his team-mate advice, considering his vast international experience and, above all, his own familiarity with that position, albeit in a very different way. “Rom gives me a lot of advice on how to approach things, and I really appreciate it,” added De Ketelaere. ”That’s what this squad is all about.”
Lukaku, however, was in real danger of missing this World Cup altogether. An injury sustained while playing a pre-season friendly for Napoli kept him sidelined for almost the entire campaign, limiting him to just 64 minutes of action.
“I’m happy to be here because, given the way my season went, I wouldn’t normally have been called up,“ he admitted. “To be at the World Cup, being able to help the team and to make the difference when needed is fantastic. Even at the end of April, there were still doubts about whether or not I’d make the squad.
“I had already spoken to the coach and told him that if I could get myself fit, I wanted to be here. I’m happy I made it.“
Lukaku is a very different centre-forward to De Ketelaere. He is a penalty-box finisher who can play with his back to goal, run-in behind and, above all, score goals. Even when he comes off the bench, 'Big Rom' is vital to Belgium, as he has shown in this tournament against Egypt and New Zealand.
The striker explained: “I think that, when you’re on the bench, it’s important to communicate with your team-mates and follow what’s going on in the game closely. That way, everything is easier when you come on.”
One thing is certain, in De Ketelaere and Lukaku, Garcia has two very different forwards he can call upon - and the freedom to use them exactly as Belgium need.
Sources: FIFA Official
