Eden Hazard has admitted that he has considered a move to Real Madrid. The Belgium maestro has been, perhaps, Chelsea’s most important player this season. But would Hazard be a good match for the Spanish giants?
It’s not shocking news by any stretch. If anything, it’s honest. Hazard has not confirmed his intentions to leave the London club. Instead, he has admitted that, even for a player so beloved in England, there is an appeal to joining the 12 time Champions League winners, Real Madrid.
“Yes, that’s why I spoke after the World Cup and I said that I think it is time to change because I played a great World Cup. I am really in the game, I am playing good football at the moment. Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I don’t want to lie today,” Hazard told reporters following the game against Southampton .
What has Hazard’s season been like?
Simply put, tremendous. Chelsea is currently tied for first place with Liverpool and Manchester City. This follows an unsuccessful season that lead to the dismissal of manager Antonio Conte.
Hazard has been the team’s leader this year. His contributed in various ways, but especially through his increased goal tally. Hazard has scored 14 in 22 games and looks determined to take on Maurizio Sarri’s challenge of having the Belgium forward score 40 goals this season.
Well deserved, boys! 👏https://t.co/rv4816cXmF
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 8, 2018
As expected, Hazard has also been a blessing to fantasy football managers worldwide. In FootballCoin he has scored 393 points, one of the best players in the competitions. He was also on call in the London side’s last match, against Southampton. The player managed 66 points, scoring once, providing an assist and helping create five chances.
Do Real Madrid need Hazard?
Real Madrid surprised many this summer by deciding against transferring a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who departed for the Serie A. Instead, manager Julen Lopetegui decided to increase the responsibilities of some of his squad members.
And although Bale, Asensio or Vinicius Jr. look up to the task in the long run, Real looks like a team still learning how to do things without Ronaldo. Real is merely fourth in La Liga. If results do not swiftly improve, Lopetegui may not get the chance to extend his project for a second season.
Hazard would be helpful to Real, as indeed he would be for any team. The Belgium number 10 is, at the moment, one of the top players in the world. During the World Cup and during the last season he has shown to possesses a great desire for success.
The talented midfielder would also help boost Real’s marketing profile which took a heavy hit following Ronaldo’s decision to join Juventus. On paper it certainly looks like a good match.
Real Madrid is known to be a team that is usually successful in getting the players they want, regardless of the size and reputation of those players’ current clubs. Much of Hazard’s decision will hinge on Maurizio Sarri’s influence on him, one that seems to be growing, and on Chelsea’s ability to win trophies.
It will be 11 days before the Premier League and La Liga return to action. In the mean time, consider your draft and take a moment to reflect on whether Eden Hazard is worth the investment.
Author: Eduard Bănulescu
