Manchester United and England legend Paul Scholes has recently shared his thoughts on Chelsea’s Eden Hazard in his latest Independent column. Scholes said that the Belgian would definitely have his vote for PFA Player of the Year, and he described his performance this season as “Not streets ahead of the likes of Harry Kane, and nothing like the wow-factor of those two big players at Barcelona and Real Madrid. But Hazard has made the difference in big games, like the one against Manchester United.”
Scholes also highlighted how important Hazard is in Jose Mourinho’s squad. “Hazard is a superb player, and one who does not go missing in big Premier League games. When José Mourinho has the opposition locked down it is to Hazard whom Chelsea look to get the assist or the goal which will win them the game.”
Moving onto how Eden stacks up against the rest of the world’s talents, the Englishman said “This has been Hazard’s third season in the Premier League and he will have to produce the kind of consistent form he has managed this season for another three years to be talked about among the greats”. Paul noted that while Messi and Ronaldo are easily in a world of their own, Hazard can definitely be compared with the likes of Neymar and Luis Suarez. However it is always going to be a bit harder for Eden. “As for their domestic leagues, I am sure that Hazard faces a more difficult test against the mid and low-ranking Premier League teams than the equivalent teams Madrid and Barça encounter in their league.”
But there is one huge difference that seems to be standing in the way of Eden Hazard’s ascension to the Messi/Ronaldo plateau. It is an interesting point that Paul Scholes made, and it’s one that I’d fully agree with. “One thing I do wonder with Hazard is whether he has that hunger to score goals that you see in Ronaldo, Messi and Suarez. Those are players who have a ferocious appetite to put the ball in the net. They’re unstoppable. Hazard seems to me to be a relatively gentle soul. One who is just as happy skipping past a couple of opponents and putting it on a plate for a team-mate. He does that very well, and I have no doubt he will deserve his accolade at the PFA awards. Playing the way he does, under pressure to score goals and make them, is not easy and he has been a big part of Chelsea’s success. But in this modern age, if he wishes to challenge the achievements of Messi and Ronaldo then he will have to prove that he can match their relentless desire to score goals.”
What areas do you think Eden Hazard needs to improve in if he wants to eventually be ranked amongst Messi and Ronaldo? Do you agree with Scholes? Let us know in the comments below or tell us on Twitter @TheStamfordShed!
