Brussels – A month ago, RSC Anderlecht were mired in crisis. Now, a renewed sense of optimism is sweeping through the club, largely fueled by the impressive form of Thorgan Hazard. The Belgian international is proving to be a pivotal figure for the Purple & White, sparking debate about whether he’s currently the best player in the Jupiler Pro League.
This marks Hazard’s second stint in the Belgian top flight. During his first spell with Zulte Waregem, he came close to leading the team to the league title and was subsequently awarded the Golden Shoe, recognizing him as the league’s best player. Expectations were high when Anderlecht brought him back to Belgium in the summer of 2023, following several years in the Bundesliga.
Initially, a lack of consistent playing time and a string of injuries hampered his impact. However, when fit, Hazard consistently showcased his quality, becoming a key contributor. He’s also emerged as a valuable presence in the locker room, offering mentorship and contributing to a positive team atmosphere.
Hazard’s Impact on Anderlecht’s Play-Off Push
The 32-year-old continues to be a crucial player for Anderlecht this season, recently playing a significant role in their push for a spot in the Champions’ Play-Offs. Hazard scored five goals in recent matches against Zulte Waregem and OH Leuven, propelling the team forward. With 11 goals to his name, he currently leads the Jupiler Pro League in scoring.
The impact of Hazard’s form hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates. Ilay Camara, speaking to RTBF, unequivocally stated his belief that Hazard is the best player in the league currently. “For me, it’s Thorgan Hazard,” Camara said. “He scores goals, is in form, has experience… but he also runs a lot for the team. People will be surprised to hear it, but Thorgan is a workhorse. Honestly, we don’t have to run as much because of him.”
Hazard’s versatility is also a key asset. According to Transfermarkt, his primary position is attacking midfield, but he’s also capable of playing as a left or right winger, providing tactical flexibility for coach Niels Vandenhaene. This adaptability allows Anderlecht to adjust their approach depending on the opponent and game situation.
Contract Uncertainty Clouds Hazard’s Future
Despite his impressive performances and clear importance to the team, Hazard’s future at Anderlecht remains uncertain. His current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2026, and negotiations for an extension have stalled. The player is reportedly willing to accept a pay cut to remain with the club, but is seeking a two-year extension, while Anderlecht are only offering a one-year deal with an option for another.
The lack of clarity surrounding the position of sporting director at Anderlecht is also complicating the contract talks. A stable leadership structure is often crucial for securing key players, and the current uncertainty is not helping the situation. However, Anderlecht would be wise to resolve the situation quickly, as losing a player of Hazard’s caliber would be a significant blow.
Born on March 29, 1993, in La Louvière, Belgium, Hazard comes from a footballing family. He is the brother of retired Chelsea star Eden Hazard, as well as Kylian Hazard (RFC Lüttich) and Ethan Hazard (Royal Union Tubize-Braine). His father, Thierry Hazard, was also a professional footballer. This strong footballing lineage undoubtedly contributed to his development as a player.
Hazard’s career has taken him to several clubs, including Lens, Chelsea (where he never made a competitive appearance), Zulte Waregem (on loan), Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, and a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven before returning to Anderlecht. His time at Mönchengladbach was particularly successful, where he made over 100 appearances and scored 30 goals. He also represented Belgium at various youth levels, eventually earning 47 caps and scoring 9 goals for the senior national team, including participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
While his time at Chelsea was brief, it marked the beginning of his journey to becoming a recognized player in European football. The move to Chelsea shortly after his brother Eden’s arrival highlighted the family’s growing prominence in the sport. However, it was his loan spells and subsequent moves to Germany that allowed him to fully develop his potential.
Anderlecht fans will be hoping that a resolution can be found to secure Hazard’s future at the club. His current form is not only boosting the team’s chances of success but also providing a much-needed spark of excitement for supporters. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Hazard will continue to shine in the purple and white of Anderlecht.
Next Up: Anderlecht face a challenging away match against Genk on March 16th. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:45 PM local time (CET), which is 2:45 PM EST. This fixture will be a key test of Anderlecht’s credentials as they continue their pursuit of a Champions’ Play-Off spot.
What do you perceive? Is Thorgan Hazard the best player in the Jupiler Pro League? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
