If you ever needed a reminder of just how good Eden Hazard is, just watch his performance against Hungary in the Round of 16 at Euro 2016.
He arrived at the tournament on the back of a terrible season with Chelsea, merely turning up for the final few games of the season. And, despite having a major effect on the outcome of the Premier League, he had a very disappointing season after winning the PFA Player of the Year during the 2014/15 season.
The reasons for his fall from grace in Chelsea’s title-defending season are still unknown and we’re unlikely to ever find out the true reasons behind it. Fall-outs with Jose Mourinho and feeling guilty for what unfolded between the club and Eva Carneiro have been thrown around as possible reasons.
And to be honest, it’s likely to be a bit of both. Hazard was the player that required treatment when Carneiro and Jon Fearn ran onto the pitch against Swansea and looking back, he can probably admit, like many footballers in that situation, he was fine.
It’s probable that he could’ve been able to carry with a slight knock, and had he not stayed down, Chelsea’s club doctor could still be at the club. But, hindsight is a wonderful thing and we can only speculate.
Never the less, Euro 2016 has provided Hazard with a clean state to prove his worth, with what is being dubbed as Belgium’s ‘golden generation’.
After Manchester City defender, Vincent Kompany was ruled out of the competition through injury, Hazard was given the armband by Marc Wilmots at this summer’s Euros, giving him even more the reason to step up and lead by example.
He’s shown just how good he can be on his day, reminding Chelsea fans of the player that led them to the Premier League title during Jose Mourinho’s second season back at the club.
Hazard showed flashes of the skill and ability that saw him collect the PFA Player of the Year award against Hungary, which proves, he can have the Premier League at his feet next season.
Eden Hazard’s game by numbers vs #HUN
90% pass accuracy
10 take-ons
4 chances created
1 goal
1 assistWorld-class pic.twitter.com/TVCJYFTB2E
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 26, 2016
His man of the match performance against Hungary will leave fans very excited about the prospect of Hazard under Antonio Conte’s management next season.
Back when Conte’s arrival was first announced, Hazard’s future was very much in the air and he looked more the likely to leave the club. However, Conte has always reportedly been keen to keep him at the club and went to the length of speaking to him personally to ensure he stayed put.
Should the Belgian winger manage to carry his spectacular Euro form into the start of next season at Chelsea, he’ll emerge, almost like a new signing for the incoming Italian boss.
Eden Hazard. pic.twitter.com/sorCOmzUjc
— Mourinholic (@Mourinholic) June 26, 2016
Chelsea were heavily reliant on Willian throughout last season, so a return to form for Hazard becomes even more important with the Brazilian unlikely to be able to maintain the same level of performance throughout the whole of next season again.
Blues fans will be hoping that not only his performances but also his major role within the Belgium squad will give the former Lille man a massive confident boost ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Red Devils have a big chance of being successful at Euro 2016, as they find themselves on the more favourable side of the draw. After demolishing hungry 4-0, they’ve set up a quarter-final tie against Wales on Friday, where they’ll go into the game on a real high, despite losing the Gareth Bale and co during the qualification stages.
A successful Euro 2016 will give Hazard even more reasons to be confident about the new era at Stamford Bridge, that he could very well leave a mark on next season if he continues his rich vein of form.
