Eden Hazard belongs in the category of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink
Eden Hazard possessed natural talent that places him alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink.
Reflecting on his career around his 80th birthday, the Dutch coach recalled working with the Belgian winger during the 2015-16 season at Stamford Bridge. Hiddink told VoetbalNieuws.be that Hazard’s technical qualities and ability to beat opponents in tight spaces left a lasting impression.
Hiddink Prijst De Technische Vaardigheden Van Hazard
“Puur op talent is Eden Hazard de beste voetballer die België ooit heeft gehad,” VoetbalNieuws.be noted of the winger’s status in Belgian football history. Hiddink highlighted Hazard’s capacity to turn quickly and eliminate multiple defenders from a standstill.
“Hij had de vaardigheid om één of twee man zó makkelijk uit te spelen. Op een bierviltje kon hij draaien en meteen de andere kant op. Als je daar nu beelden van ziet, dat is fantastisch,” said Guus Hiddink, former Chelsea manager.
Hazard made 19 appearances under Hiddink during that interim spell, scoring six goals and contributing four assists. Across his entire career in west London, the Belgian played 352 matches, scored 110 goals, and provided 88 assists.
Blessures Beperkten De Impact Van Hazard Bij Real Madrid
Despite the high praise, Hiddink acknowledged that Hazard never reached the same prolific scoring statistics as Messi or Ronaldo. VoetbalNieuws.be reported that frequent injuries hindered the winger's peak years.
Those physical setbacks followed Hazard to Spain after his transfer to Real Madrid in 2019. Persistent injury problems limited his playing time and prevented him from reproducing his Premier League form in La Liga.
During his time in England, Hazard won two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies, one FA Cup, and one League Cup.
