JPL
Vanaken’s Vancouver masterclass: why De Bruyne finally shines
Hans Vanaken collected a flood of points in Vancouver on Friday, playing a pivotal role in Belgium’s 3‑0 victory over Ukraine and enabling Kevin De Bruyne to rediscover his best form. The midfielder’s selfless play helped the collective and highlighted his influence on the national side.
Vanaken is described as a genius whose presence lifts any teammate, a view shared across the squad. Kevin De Bruyne praised him as a top player who, despite fierce competition for national spots, consistently improves those around him.
“I’m no longer the Kevin of nine years ago,” Kevin De Bruyne said on Friday in Vancouver. He added that Vanaken makes his life much easier on the pitch. De Bruyne has even recommended Vanaken internally, though the final decision rests with coach Rudi Garcia.
De Bruyne’s plea for Vanaken: the midfielder who makes life easier
Coach Rudi Garcia publicly celebrated the resurgence of his so‑called “has‑been” cadres, highlighting De Bruyne’s brilliance. Garcia hinted he may keep Vanaken and De Bruyne together for the remainder of the tournament. The standout match of Garcia’s tenure was a 3‑0 win over Ukraine, where Vanaken and De Bruyne completed the full 90 minutes side by side. Vanaken could have pursued a career across the big‑five European leagues, but he chooses to stay each season to chase titles. This routine helps him handle pressure and maintain rhythm, a quality the Belgian midfielder still seeks. If Garcia maintains this partnership, Belgium will benefit from Vanaken’s stabilising influence throughout the competition. The team’s next fixtures will test whether the duo can sustain their combined impact.