He only turned 30 earlier this month and is still highly regarded as one of the gameâs most dynamic midfield forces but Belgium will have to do without Radja Nainggolanâs explosiveness at the World Cup.
The decision to exclude the Roma star from the 28-man squad list sparked some incendiary responses. Former Belgian international Philippe Albert didnât pull any punches.
âWe must be the only country in the world to be making the trip without one of the best players in the world. This is not the way to become world champions,â he said.
Despite the slightly harsh delivery, Albert certainly has a point. Nainggolan has been sensational for Roma again this season and was voted their best player. The all-action midfielder marries the defensive and offensive aspects of the game with complete authority.
According to Squawka, he has created more chances (196) and won more tackles (214) than any other Roma player in Serie A and the Champions League over the last three seasons.
Nainggolan reacted to the disappointing news of his omission by dropping a bomb of his own. The Belgian wasted no time announcing his international retirement after 30 appearances for his country.
He does have to shoulder some of the blame though given that he hasnât exactly covered himself in glory with his reputation off the pitch. Nainggolan was caught smoking and drinking on camera earlier this year.
There is also the fact that Martinezâs tactics for Belgium do not accommodate the lively midfielderâs specific style of play.
âI have put in place a specific system that works. I canât use Radja in a secondary role.â
Playing a 3-4-2-1 system, Axel Witsel is chosen to partner Kevin De Bruyne in midfield while Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens support Romelu Lukaku up front. Martinez is clearly prioritising composure in the middle and thus condemning a fiery international career to a tepid end.
BELGIUM 28-MAN SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels, Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Matz Sels;
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Dedryck Boyata, Laurent Ciman, Leander Dendoncker, Christian Kabasele, Vincent Kompany, Jordan Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen;
Midfielders: Yannick Carrasco, Nacer Chadli, Kevin De Bruyne, Mousa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj, Thomas Meunier, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel;
Forwards: Michy Batshuayi, Christian Benteke, Eden Hazard, Thorgan Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens.