Maxim De Cuyper, carrier of advantage on the left side of Belgium

Maxim De Cuyper, tagapaghatid ng bentahe sa kaliwang banda ng Belhika

Ayon sa Mundodeportivo.

Konteksto

Si Maxim De Cuyper, na kasalukuyang naglalaro bilang kaliwang likod para sa Belhika, ay may 22 international caps at 4 na goals. Ang kanyang karera ay nagsimula sa Brujas, kung saan siya ay nakilala bago lumipat sa Brighton. Sa kanyang papel sa World Cup 2026, siya ay inaasahang maging mahalagang bahagi ng depensa at pag-atake ng Belhika.

Why it matters

Maxim De Cuyper's performance could be the key to Belgium's victory against Senegal in the Round of 32 of the World Cup 2026. With his ability to create chances and control the game on the left side, he is becoming an important part of coach Rudi Garcia's strategy. His emergence as Panini's 'Player to Watch' shows his potential to provide an edge in a tight match.

Key Points

• Maxim De Cuyper, carrier of advantage on the left side of Belgium.
• Deemed Panini's 'Player to Watch', Maxim De Cuyper is expected to provide the edge on the left for Belgium against exciting Senegal in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
• Maxim De Cuyper remains central to Belgium's plans.

Both in contention for a place in the next stage, Belgium and Senegal will clash in a thrilling battle in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday (10pm Spanish time). Although the Red Devils are slightly favored, the Africans clearly have the weapons to surprise anyone—and this is where the details on the edges of the game become even more valuable. Behind giant names like Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Romelu Lukaku, Sadio Mané and Pape Gueye, Maxim De Cuyper's role is emerging as a quiet but critical piece for Belgium. The 25-year-old left-back was named Panini's 'Player to Watch' for Wednesday, testament to his rise from the start of the tournament to the knockouts. De Cuyper is known for his long range and disciplined work on the left flank. Although he is not the type of full-back who relies on speed and intense dribbling, he can create an advantage by reading the game correctly and choosing the right pass. His through balls and low crosses provide a constant threat in the box—a perfect match for a traditional target man like Lukaku and the underlap/overlap moves that open up space for Doku. In half-space and the final third, he provides control and connection that loosens the opposition's defense.

At state level, De Cuyper already has 22 games and 4 goals for the national team—signaling that he is not only a defensive force, but also an offensive contributor. Coming through Club Brugge's youth system, he first shone there before cementing his rise a year ago, when Brighton splashed out €20 million to bring him to the Premier League. Based on what he is showing this World Cup, the argument is strong that the investment is worth it. Against Senegal, De Cuyper's balance in attack and defense was important. He will need smart positioning in transitions and timing on the climb to not leave his band behind in the sudden rarity of the Africans. In attack, the quality of his crosses and connections in midfield can dictate how often Belgium can carve holes in compact defences. In defense, shape discipline and reading the second and third ball will be his useful weapon. All in all, if Belgium's stars are expected to grab the headlines, Maxim De Cuyper could be the one who ignites that engine on the left—careful, smart, and precise. In what is expected to be a tight match, this kind of consistent edge on the flanks can be the difference between victory and defeat. If De Cuyper can continue his rise, there is a good chance that Belgium will dictate the style and pace of the game—and only then will the Red Devils' advantage appear in Senegal.

What's next

With Belgium facing Senegal, De Cuyper is expected to be the center of attention with his actions on the left side. His ability to link up with prominent players like Lukaku and Doku could open up opportunities for the team. If he continues his good form, he could make an important contribution in their journey to the 2026 World Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Maxim De Cuyper?

Maxim De Cuyper is a 25-year-old left back who plays for the Belgian national team and is known for his ability to read the game and pick a pass.

What role does Maxim De Cuyper play in the Bélgica team?

Maxim De Cuyper is considered a critical piece for Bélgica, giving advantage down the left flank and contributing to the offense with his through balls and low crosses.

What are Maxim De Cuyper's qualities as a full-back?

Maxim De Cuyper is known for his long range, disciplined work, and ability to create an advantage by reading the game correctly, rather than relying on speed and dribbling.

What will Belgium play in the World Cup 2026?

Belgium will face Senegal in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, at 10pm, Spanish time.

How many games and goals has Maxim De Cuyper in the national team?

Maxim De Cuyper has 22 games and 4 goals in the Belgian national team.

Kaugnay na Balita

• Babala ng Ehipto sa Belhika: ‘Hindi lang si Salah — handa kaming manurpresa’
• Huling Sayaw ni Lionel Messi: Ang Paalam ng Isang Alamat sa World Cup
• Ipinagmamalaki ni Pochettino pero nagbabala: Ito'y simula pa lang para sa USA
• May buhay ba labas ng World Cup? Limang kuwento ngayong Linggo
• Mundial 2026

Kaugnay na Balita

• Spartak malapit bumili kay Víctor Parada mula Alavés sa €6 milyon;