There are few people who understood the game as well as René Vandereycken. He played an essential role in the evolution of Belgian football. Smart and shrewd with passes of deadly precision. He was also a master in disrupting an opposing team’s attacks. He became the first defensive midfielder in the country, often merciless and intimidating. He eliminated the meek image of the previous generation of Red Devils. He played in two European Championships (1980 and 1984) and one World Cup (1986 where he was sent home after the first round). Vandereycken was and is a man of principles.