Aston Villa: Belgian media react to 'unusual' Youri Tielemans at World Cup

Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans shone as Belgium finally put their first World Cup win on the board.

Across matches against Egypt and Iran, the Red Devils put in two frustrating performances.

Despite high possession tallies and a number of chances, Rudi Garcia's side struggled.

As a result, everything was left to play for in the final match, with all four sides carrying a chance of going through.

The Belgians ensured that there would be no shock trip home for them, as they took out their frustrations on New Zealand with a 5-1 win.

Now looking ahead to the knockout stages, the local media have reacted to Tielemans' performance in a more unorthodox role.

Youri Tielemans praised for captains performance as Belgium end World Cup misery

After the two opening matches, Belgium boss Garcia was left with no choice but to make changes.

His side controlled the match well in midfield against Iran, but lacked the cutting edge to break through - leaving Garcia to turn to Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken, who started alongside Tielemans.

An attacking midfielder by trade, the 33-year-old would put in a strong performance with seven chances created.

Tielemans would be praised for his work in a much deeper role than usual.

Handing him a 6/10, Flemish outlet Nieuwsblad said: "Pulled his weight well in the unusual position for him as a defensive midfielder," while the impact of Vanaken made a huge difference - facilitated by Tielemans.

With Garcia's midfield now potentially set in stone, the pair could make a big difference as the Red Devils target a late run.

Operating as the deeper of the two, Goal Belgium said Tielemans "received the ball and passed the ball. Rinse and repeat over and over again."

Youri Tielemans' World Cup performance in numbers

Appointed captain of the national team following Garcia's appointment, Tielemans is now a real talisman for Belgium - earning his stripes after the initial wonderkid tag a decade ago.

With 64 touches, he would put in the performance expected of him, going a whole match without being dispossessed.

He would complete 52 accurate passes, two of which being long balls, while seven of these were into the final third.

Covering in a deeper role for the more advanced Vanaken, he made four recoveries, and won three duels.

It was not exactly an all-action performance, but he put in another display indicative of how consistent he is, while allowing those around him to shine.