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With Belgium suffering from a rash of key injuries,
now more than ever, it will rely on the inspirational
play and leadership of team captain Marc Wilmots.
One of the best attacking midfielders in soccer, Wilmots
is absolutely vital to Belgium's chances in Japan and
South Korea. His importance to the team has recently
become underscored, as Belgium will have to do without
the services of potent star striker Emile Mpenza, so
the Belgians will be counting on the 33-year-old to
get more mileage out of his chronically bad knees, which
were so sore that Wilmots had to sit out training sessions
shortly before the World Cup opened.
But, if there is one player who is capable of raising
his game and taking on more responsibility, it is Wilmots.
Time and time again, he has answered the call for his
country, anchoring Belgium's attack with his brilliant
playmaking vision and scoring ability. He played a huge
role in helping Belgium qualify for the World Cup, finishing
as his nation's top scorer during qualification by netting
eight goals in nine games - a remarkably prolific scoring
rate by any standard, let alone a midfielder.
Wilmots began his soccer career at age 16 with Belgian
club St. Truiden in 1988 was named Belgium's best young
player. The following year he signed with KV Mechelen
where won the league title and played in the Belgian
Cup final in 1991. His form in the Belgian league didn't
go unnoticed, and he received his first call to join
the national team in May 1990 against Romania.
After four seasons with Belgian giants Standard Liege,
winning a Belgian Cup medal, before moving on to German
club Schalke 04 in 1996. During his first season in
the Bundesliga, he helped Schalke win the UEFA Cup,
one of European soccer's elite club competitions, by
scoring the winning goal in a penalty shoot-out.
He eventually moved on to Bordeaux, but his tenure
in France was marred by injury and disputes with the
club. He returned to Schalke in 2001 and led the club
to the German Cup final.
Now, after announcing his impending retirement from
international soccer, Wilmots has a huge task ahead
of him, considering the injury-depleted state of Belgium's
side, which has never relied on him more.
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