A natural leader and true captain for PSV and Club Brugge, this dependable midfielder was the epitome of a no-nonsense defensive anchor. Career record: 93 caps and 6 goals for Belgium; club career at Club Brugge K.V., PSV Eindhoven, 1. FC Nürnberg.
One rank above: Marouane Fellaini at #29.
One rank below: Nacer Chadli at #31.
Belgium's editorial top five: Kevin De Bruyne · Thibaut Courtois · Eden Hazard · Paul Van Himst · Jean-Marie Pfaff.