For my goalkeeper, I’ve chosen Michel Preud’homme. We played together for three years at KV Mechelen. Voted “Best in the World” at the 1994 World Cup; a leader, good on his line. If he was playing today, he’d be in the top three in the world.

Eric Gerets is my right-back. The first Belgian to win the European Cup. A top player, with great determination and a real leader. Laurent Verbiest would be my first centre-back. He was known as ‘Lorenzo the Magnificent’, a talented libero, 20 or 30 years ahead of his time. He died tragically at 27 in a car crash.

Alongside him, I’ve gone for Vincent Kompany. An example to everyone. Vincent’s come back from many injuries and that shows his mental strength. A first-class person and a legend at Manchester City; he was a candidate to captain my team. On the left, it has to be Jean Thissen. He won two European Cup Winners’ Cups with Anderlecht; good in the air, a terrific attitude and a great left foot.

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At No 6, I’d have Wilfried Van Moer. He could tackle, create and score goals. He suffered a horrific broken leg against Italy in 1972 but was recalled to the international team in his 30s and was instrumental in taking Belgium to the 1980 European Championship final. At No 10 I’d have Enzo Scifo. He was blessed with an excellent football brain, had fantastic passing ability and was strong and two-footed. One of the greatest. Jan Ceulemans and Eden Hazard complete my midfield.

Ceulemans is my captain. A real team player, he had a phenomenal career, playing in five major tournaments from 1980 to 1990. Shy off the pitch, he nonetheless played with a “never say die” attitude. Ceulemans could have joined any of Europe’s big clubs but chose to stay in Belgium.

On the left side of midfield, Hazard can do anything, even on an off-day he can make the difference in a game. He’s a fantastic guy, always smiling. Together with Scifo, one of Belgium’s top talents in the last 30 years.

My first striker is the “White Pelé”, Paul Van Himst. Elegant on and off the pitch and unbelievably talented. One of the top five Belgians ever. Alongside him, I’d have Romelu Lukaku. I was thinking about Erwin Vandenbergh, but my vote went to Lukaku.

He’s had an incredible career and he’s still only 24. Scores for fun and he’s been playing first-team football week-in, week-out, since he was 16. He always works his socks off to improve. Without Lukaku, I don’t think José Mourinho would still be the manager at Manchester United.”