Van Buyten became the most expensive Belgian player in history when he signed for French team Olympique Marseille for just over £13m.
He moved from Standard Liege last summer and his former manager Luciano D'Onofrio believes he is better than legend Phillippe Albert.
"He's got enormous potential and can help Marseille regain prominence in the French league," he said.
"However ambitious you are for your club, you can't stand in the way of a deal like this."
His injury-time strike against Scotland, which gave Belgium a draw at Hampden Park, was crucial in helping his side reach the finals.