Belgium never used to be a footballing powerhouse. Prior to reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2014, ‘The Red Devils’ had not even qualified for a major tournament since 2002.

But a remarkable generation of Belgian footballers have emerged and many have chosen to ply their trade in the Premier League; beginning with Vincent Kompany in 2008.

More have made the move to English soil year after year, to the point where the Premier League is now home to some of the most talented footballers that Belgium have ever produced.

Narrowing down the list to just five is always a hard task and some may be surprised by some of the names we have chosen to emit.

Amongst the players that were considered, but have not made the list include, Kevin De Bruyne, Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United fans may be upset he was even considered), Christian Benteke, Thomas Vermaelen, Moussa Dembele and Kevin Mirallas.

Now onto the list of the Top 5 best Belgians to play in the Premier League.

Which Tottenham defender makes the list? Where does a prolific striker rank? Which midfielder ranks as the best Belgian to grace Premier League football? Find out the answers to all these questions in the following pages…

5. Toby Alderweireld

It was hard to distinguish between Tottenham’s Belgian defenders, Jan Vertonghen or Toby Alderweireld. In the end, we chose to go for the latter, purely because of the impact he has made since coming into the league.

After joining Southampton on loan from Atletico Madrid in 2014, Alderweireld would play a huge part in their success as The Saints secured a European spot having finished seventh.

Southampton would finish the season with the second-best defence in the league, having only conceded 33 goals in 38 games.

He would earn a move to Tottenham a year later and he would also lead them to great success. Spurs would finish in third spot having been title contenders for much of the year.

The North Londoners would finish the year with the best defence in the league. The Belgian centre-back would be rewarded for his contribution as he earned a spot in the PFA Team of the Year, whilst also receiving Tottenham’s Player of the Year.

Alderweireld is considered by many as the best centre-back in the Premier League. Since his arrival in North London, he has transformed Tottenham into genuine title contenders, whilst also establishing himself as a world-class centre-back. 

4. Thibaut Courtois

Occupying the number four spot on our list is Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper, who stands at a giant 6’6″, arrived at Chelsea as a 20-year-old from Genk, but would spend the following three years at Atletico Madrid.

When Courtois returned in 2014, his impressive performances in Spain had established himself as one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

He would quickly oust Petr Cech for a starting berth and he would not disappoint as he replicated his form from abroad to the Premier League.

Known for his shot-stopping prowess and as a commanding presence in the penalty area, Courtois would play a huge role as Chelsea regained the Premier League title in the 2014-2015 season.

Despite a lull in form a year later, Courtois looks back to his best this year as Chelsea have built up a lead at the top of the table.

Unfortunately for Courtois, he has not won any individual accolades in the Premier League due to the brilliance of Manchester United’s David De Gea.

Nevertheless, the former Genk man has still proven his capabilities between the sticks and his performances have established himself as one of the best ‘keepers in world football.

At just 24 years-old, the Belgian can only go from strength to strength and he is sure to maintain his status as one of the world’s best for many years to come.

3. Romelu Lukaku

After breaking through at Anderlecht as a 16-year-old, the world soon took notice and Lukaku became one of the most coveted youngsters in world football.

After a couple of prolific seasons in Belgium, Chelsea would win the race to sign the wonderkid as he joined the West London club for a hefty fee.

Unfortunately for Lukaku, his first season was spent largely on the bench and he was unable to score in the 12 appearances he made.

Despite this setback, Lukaku would make his mark in the Premier League after he joined West Brom on loan. At 19 years of age, he managed to score 17 Premier League goals for the Midlands side, helping them to a club record eighth placed finish.

It is worth noting the term after, without Lukaku, West Brom would barely avoid relegation as they finished in 17th place with 36 points.

For the promising striker, a loan spell and then a £28m move to Everton followed. It is at the Merseyside club where Lukaku looks as if he has fulfilled his world-class potential. During his time in Merseyside, Lukaku has scored a total of 83 goals in 159 appearances.

His form has attracted the attention of the world’s top clubs and his reluctance to sign a new contract makes it almost inevitable that he will move in the summer.

Although honours have been few and far between, Lukaku has broken numerous records; including becoming the first foreign player to score 80 Premier League goals before his 24th birthday.

The complete striker has already established himself as a top-class striker, but with years on his side, he looks set to move onto even bigger and better things in the future.

2. Vincent Kompany

Vincent Kompany’s success at Manchester City paved the way for more Belgians to make the step to English football.

Having joined City from Hamburg for £6m back in 2008, Kompany was once considered a jack of all trades, but soon established himself as a world-class centre-back.

The former Anderlecht man was pivotal for Manchester City as he became their most reliable and talented man in defence. He was awarded the captaincy for his leadership capabilities and his presence at the back was pivotal in their two Premier League titles.

During Manchester City’s dramatic title win in 2011-2012, Kompany would have a terrific season and his achievements were recognised as he was named the Premier League Player of the Season.

In addition, Kompany has been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on three occasions.

Between 2010 and 2015, Kompany was considered by many to be one of the, if not the, best defender in world football. His contribution at the back was imperative to his team’s success and without his presence Manchester City would not have been crowned Premier League champions.

Unfortunately, in recent years the colossal centre-back has been plagued by injuries. Each comeback has soon ended in tears and Kompany has only appeared 27 times in the past two seasons.

Manchester City have been shaky in defence ever since and seriously miss their leader at the back. Nevertheless, Kompany was pivotal for Manchester City as they became superpowers in world football and he fully deserves being number two on this list.

1. Eden Hazard

There could only be one man at number one. Eden Hazard has been superb since joining Chelsea in 2012 and he has since transformed himself into one of the world’s best players.

In 2012, Hazard controversially announced on Twitter that he would join Chelsea in a £32m move.

A hefty price tag, but Hazard would quickly justify that fee as he instantly showed his capabilities in England’s top league. Known for his trickery and ability to beat his man, Hazard has been a revelation since joining Chelsea.

Out of the four full seasons he has played, Hazard has been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year three times.

In 2013/2014 he won the PFA Young Player of the Year Award, and a season later, he would take the Players’ Player of the Year crown as his side were crowned Premier League champions.

Although he would suffer a huge lull in form last term, a change of manager has revitalised Hazard’s career and he looks back to his best.

With Chelsea cruising at the top of the table and into the semi-finals of the FA Cup, Hazard has played a prominent role and looks set to win more individual and collective accolades this campaign.

Barring that one disastrous season, the Belgian wizard has been in mercurial form since joining Chelsea. At this current time, not only is he Chelsea’s main main, but he is also the best player in the Premier League.