Eden Hazard has had a stunning season so far, perhaps his best start to a Premier League season since moving to Chelsea, and that has created a lot of ruckus in the transfer market. We’re kind of wondering why it has taken so long, but don’t care really as the Belgian is putting in brilliant performances week in week out.
Though the Chelsea fans can’t complain, the problem with such consistency is that it makes the sharks stand up and take notice. Chelsea are one of the bigwigs when it comes to the transfer market, but no matter how much you can spend, there is just no competing with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus when it comes to attracting players with their history.
Recently, Hazard admitted that a potential move to Real Madrid is playing on his head. We take a look at why he could depart in the summer if not in the January transfer window.
#3 The timing can’t get any better
It’s still a surprise that Hazard is at Chelsea considering the ups and downs the club have gone through. The system of hiring and firing managers seems to be working at Chelsea, and it could continue under Roman Abramovich.
Unlike previous seasons, though, Hazard is showing this season that he can get into any side and perform consistently.
Every time he gets the ball, he has looked proactive unlike certain games in the past where you’d instantly know his game was off. It’s this consistency that makes him a scary prospect.
#2 There’s no Ronaldo at Real Madrid to stop Hazard from flourishing immediately
Cristiano Ronaldo was an absolute monster at Real Madrid. Managers found it almost intimidating while dropping him until Zinedine Zidane took over and rested the Portuguese star more often so that he could give that little bit extra in the Champions League, which he did.
Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus means Hazard’s path is clear. He could have competition from the likes of Isco and Mariano Diaz, but on his day, he’s better than those players.
Madrid are struggling in the final third at the moment, and perhaps they need someone like Hazard!
#1 The chase for the Ballon d’Or
Players from Barcelona or Real Madrid have won the last 11 Ballon d’Ors. Playing for the two most notable sides in the world does have an impact on your chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, something Wesley Sneijder, Franck Ribery and Manuel Neuer found out a few years ago despite winning it all at club level and impressive on the international stage.
Joining Real Madrid, who will stop at nothing to challenge for all the trophies, will benefit Hazard. Ronaldo and Messi are still up there as the best, but perhaps Hazard can make a case in the coming years if he moves to a club with significant resources.