Aston Villa man who starred in Man Utd win named in Belgium squad for World Cup

Aston Villa defensive midfielder Leander Dendoncker has been named in the final 26-man Belgium squad for the World Cup. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has been particularly impressive of late operating in a deep-lying role just in front of Villa’s defence.

Recently starring in the Villans’ 3-1 Premier League win over Manchester United, Dendoncker could become a key player under new manager Unai Emery. The Spaniard typically deploys two defensive midfielders - and Dendoncker, being the rock he is, could definitely take Emery’s fancy going forward.

The 27-year-old has made 11 appearances in the English top flight this season after signing for around £13 million in the summer. For now, though, he has been chosen for the Belgium squad alongside some world class players including Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku.

Dendoncker, who can also play as a centre half, will be competing in Group F against the likes of Canada, Croatia and Morocco. The Belgian Red Devils are one of a few potential dark horses for the tournament.

Belgium’s full 26-man squad for the World Cup

Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge).

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Royal Antwerp), Zeno Debast (Anderlecht), Leander Dendoncker (Aston Villa), Wout Faes (Leicester), Arthur Theate (Rennes), Jan Vertonghen (Benfica), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund), Timothy Castagne (Leicester).

Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Amadou Onana (Everton), Youri Tielemans (Belgium), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Borussia Dortmund), Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund).

Forwards: Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahce), Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan), Jérémy Doku (Rennes), Eden Hazard (Real Madrid), Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan), Dries Mertens (Galatasaray), Loïs Openda (Lens), Leandro Trossard (Brighton).