1. Scotland’s passing style was easy on the eye early on, but sloppiness will kill them
Scotland played some really neat stuff early on, but were the architects of their own downfall as Craig Gordon threw the ball out quickly to John McGinn. Mousa Dembele was all over him like a rash, and when the ball was lost, the opening goal was inevitable.
Charlie Mulgrew too won’t want to see the sloppy ball into midfield that led to Belgium’s third, while Ryan Jack was then caught in possession for the fourth.
Still, Scotland showed in the early stages that they have some decent footballers and played the ball out well in tight areas, so they shouldn’t be discouraged despite that setback. If they are going to continue to play this way though, they will have to ensure they sharpen up in possession and fast.
2. Allan McGregor is in pole position to be Scotland’s number one
Craig Gordon has been a fine servant to Scotland over the years, and is still a quality goalkeeper, but there is no denying that questions could be asked of the Celtic number one for Belgium’s first two goals on the night.
His throw out to McGinn that saw him caught in possession for the opener put his teammate in trouble, and while Hazard’s powerful effort for the second was travelling, it was above the keeper’s head as it went through him and into the net.
McGregor will take the gloves when the competitive action gets underway on Monday night against Albania, and barring any slip-ups of his own, will retain the gloves going forward under McLeish.
3. Scotland’s back three is a work in progress
It is difficult to gauge how effective or otherwise the back three set-up was with three of Belgium’s goals coming directly from Scotland conceding possession cheaply in their own half, meaning that the defence was never set to deal with the attacks that ended up with the ball in the net.
It is hard to make any arguments for a defence that has leaked four goals, but it was sloppy play in possession rather than slack defending that really cost the Scots on the night.
Kieran Tierney looked comfortable enough and John Souttar did ok, but it will be a big call for Alex McLeish moving forward whether he goes with the experience of Charlie Mulgrew or puts another youngster in there in Scott McKenna.
4. Scotland may have a player in John Souttar
Following on from the previous point, the Hearts defender didn’t do his international prospects any harm at all following his call-up in place of the injured McKenna.
Looked assured on the ball and couldn’t be faulted for any of the Belgian goals, and looks to have developed well physically, suggesting he may be a viable option at the back for the UEFA Nations League Campaign.
5. Dedryck Boyata has put his transfer turmoil firmly behind him
Following on from his assured display against Rangers, the Celtic defender showed bags of composure in another impressive outing.
His professionalism came into question over the summer as he tried to force through a move away from Glasgow, but he showed here why he is becoming an important player not only for his club, but for his country.
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