Once considered too short to be a professional, ‘Ciro’ Mertens is Belgium’s most popular player, explains Vincent Van Genechten.
There are so many stars in the Red Devils squad at this World Cup, from Eden Hazard to Romelu Lukaku, yet it is Dries Mertens who commands the most affection in the public eye.
His cheeky persona and tangible love for the sport also won over the Napoli fans and they rewarded him with the most quintessential Neapolitan nickname – Ciro.
Once considered too short to be a professional, ‘Ciro’ Mertens is Belgium’s most popular player, explains Vincent Van Genechten.
There are so many stars in the Red Devils squad at this World Cup, from Eden Hazard to Romelu Lukaku, yet it is Dries Mertens who commands the most affection in the public eye.
His cheeky persona and tangible love for the sport also won over the Napoli fans and they rewarded him with the most quintessential Neapolitan nickname – Ciro.
Having played as a centre-forward for almost two years at the Stadio San Paolo, it's interesting to see him shine in his old wide role at the 2018 World Cup and he proved with a stunning volley against Panama that a different position doesn't mean fewer goals.
He has the chance to help fire Belgium into the quarter-finals, as they take on Japan in the Round of 16 this evening.
Read the whole Dries Mertens player profile here.
Or have a look round our 2018 World Cup Guide, with features, analysis of each individual nation and match reports.