Dries Mertens reveals Belgium’s most technically gifted player – and it’s not De Bruyne or Hazard

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Napoli forward Dries Mertens has hailed Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen as Belgium’s most technically gifted player.

Vertonghen has been a key part of the Spurs defence this season, playing all but one of their Premier League games as they finished third.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is yet to name his 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, with the announcement set for 21 May, but the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are set to be included.

But Mertens believes it is the defender, not De Bruyne or Hazard, who is the Red Devils’ most gifted player.

“Everyone is going to think about Eden Hazard,” he told RTBF.

“But I’m going to say Jan Vertonghen. He is very technical for someone tall [and playing in a] defensive position.”

Mertens also spoke highly of Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku for the way he has tried to improve his game despite the ridicule he still receives from Belgium team-mates.

“He has improved a lot,” he added.

“People are laughing at his control but he’s a boy who after training takes 20 balls and continues to train. I respect him a lot for that.”

Belgium were the first European team to qualify for the World Cup (aside from Russia) and were placed into Group G, going up against England, Tunisia and Panama, kicking off the tournament with a match against the latter on 18 June.

Vertonghen’s season with Spurs

Starting all 37 of his Premier League appearances for Spurs, Vertonghen made more defensive actions than any other player in the side with 266.

The Belgian also completed 86% of his 2,488 attempted passes throughout the season, creating 12 chances though without an assist.

Vertonghen also hit the milestone of 250 games for Tottenham during the season, playing his 250th in the 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.