Rested following the 0-0 draw at West Ham on the weekend, Maurizio Sarri saved Eden Hazard’s legs until the 55th minute in the Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool.
With Chelsea 1-0 down just two minutes later, Hazard put on an inspired individual performance; including a strike worthy of winning any game of football five minutes from time.
Instigating the wide play Hazard kept a low centre of gravity while bumping off Naby Keita, the Belgian weaved his way around a total of three defenders before leathering the ball into the back of the Anfield net.
Add to this his series of exquisite pieces of trickery such as backheeled flicks and dummies, the question is there to be asked: is this the best we have ever seen Eden Hazard?
Six goals in the opening seven games across all competitions so far this season would suggest so. Hazard, similar to many of his Chelsea teammates are revelling the new club culture which has arrived at Stamford Bridge since Italian Sarri has taken charge – this has coincided with the elusive run of form Hazard is enjoying from the 2018 World Cup.
His performances, as well as three goals and two assists in six games for Belgium not only saw him awarded the tournament’s Silver Ball award, but he was also included in the FIFPro World XI for 2018.
In 194 senior appearances for Lille between 2007-12, Hazard tallied 50 goals and 53 assists before joining the 2012 Champions League winners, turning down interest from several other European sides.
To observe the physical and technical development of Hazard since arriving in England at the age of 21 has been remarkable. Yet to manage a 20-goal season yet for Chelsea (scoring 19 in 14/15), Hazard’s current assists for Chelsea stand at 77.
Factor in the positional rotation between the wing, false nine and attacking midfield, Hazard’s returns has always been commendable in his last six years in London, collecting two Premier Leagues, Europa League an FA Cup and a League Cup in that time.
Yet to experience the Champions League glory that lured him to Chelsea in the first place, at 27 now Hazard is in his prime.
He looks a calibre beyond any other current Premier League player and can change a game in the blink of an eye due to his vast skill set that always seems to be evolving.
Europa League glory looks entirely possible this season, however, the longstanding rumours that link him to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid alike persist over time, and one would think the ultimate European triumph for Hazard will only become a reality if a move to a Champions League juggernaut happens in the near future.
The post Are we witnessing Eden Hazard in his prime? appeared first on Read Chelsea.
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Article Name | Opinion: Is Eden Hazard in the form of his life at Chelsea? |
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Author Name | Candyboy |
Published On | September 28, 2018 |
Post Category |
Chelsea
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