--- title: "Vanaken's Genius" description: "Belgium's World Cup run may depend on the unheralded partnership between Hans Vanaken and Kevin De Bruyne, with Vanaken's team play elevating De Bruyne's performance." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/c-est-aussi-lui-qui-a-permis-a-kdb-de-briller-c-est-en-p-1f6bf5dc published: 2026-06-28T20:13:36.965+00:00 updated: 2026-06-28T20:13:36.965+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Vanaken's Genius > Belgium's World Cup run may depend on the unheralded partnership between Hans Vanaken and Kevin De Bruyne, with Vanaken's team play elevating De Bruyne's performance. Hans Vanaken's selfless play is being credited with unlocking Kevin De Bruyne's best performances for Belgium. In their 3-0 World Cup win over Ukraine, Vanaken's chemistry with De Bruyne peaked, fueling calls to keep the duo together. Vanaken's role as the ultimate team player highlights how unselfish chemistry can elevate even the world's best. De Bruyne admitted that his own past competition limited Vanaken's national-team chances, but their partnership could define Belgium's World Cup run. Vanaken's performance in the Jupiler Pro League with FC Bruges has been impressive, but his ability to work with De Bruyne has taken Belgium's team to the next level. De Bruyne's magic on the field has been noticeable, and Vanaken's selfless play has been the key to unlocking it. Their partnership has been praised by fans and critics alike, with many calling for them to be kept together for the remainder of the World Cup. The importance of team chemistry cannot be overstated, and Vanaken's role in Belgium's success is a prime example. While De Bruyne is undoubtedly one of the world's best players, it is Vanaken's ability to work with him that has made their partnership so effective. As the World Cup progresses, it will be interesting to see how Belgium's team performs, and whether Vanaken and De Bruyne can continue to work together to achieve success. Rudi Garcia, the manager of Belgium's national team, will be looking to capitalize on the partnership between Vanaken and De Bruyne. With their next match approaching, Garcia will be hoping that the duo can continue to perform at a high level and lead Belgium to victory. The team's success will depend on the ability of Vanaken and De Bruyne to work together, and their partnership will be crucial in determining Belgium's fate in the World Cup. ## Why this matters Vanaken's role as the ultimate team player highlights how unselfish chemistry can elevate even the world's best, proving that talent alone isn't enough without the right setup. This partnership could be the key to Belgium's success in the World Cup, and their ability to work together will be crucial in determining the team's fate. ## Frequently asked ### Who is Hans Vanaken? Hans Vanaken is a Belgian midfielder who plays for FC Bruges in the Jupiler Pro League. He has been credited with unlocking Kevin De Bruyne's best performances for Belgium. ### What is the importance of Vanaken's partnership with De Bruyne? Vanaken's partnership with De Bruyne is crucial to Belgium's success in the World Cup. Their ability to work together has elevated De Bruyne's performance and taken Belgium's team to the next level. ### Who is Kevin De Bruyne? Kevin De Bruyne is a Belgian midfielder who plays for Manchester City. He is considered one of the world's best players and has been praised for his performances for Belgium in the World Cup. ## Sources & Citations - [C'est aussi lui qui a permis à KDB de briller : "C'est en partie ma faute s'il jouait peu !"](https://www.walfoot.be/news/2026-06-28/cest-aussi-lui-qui-a-permis-a-kdb-de-briller-cest-en-partie-ma-faute-sil-jouait-peu-) — NewsData.io (2026-06-28) --- Cite: Vanaken's Genius. Sportopod, 2026-06-28. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/c-est-aussi-lui-qui-a-permis-a-kdb-de-briller-c-est-en-p-1f6bf5dc