After seven successful years at Chelsea, Eden Hazard completed his much-anticipated €100 million move to Real Madrid in the summer. The superstar arrival was recently handed the iconic number 7 shirt to signal his importance to Real Madrid’s project.
On the pitch, he has looked rusty in Madrid’s difficult pre-season despite spells of brilliance. Our tactical analysis, however, charts his progress with Real Madrid as their season kicks off away at Celta Vigo.
Superstar
Fiorentino Perez signalled a return to the Galáctico model when he opened the cheque books this summer; with over 300 million spent on the acquisition of Hazard, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Luka Jović and Rodrygo. Los Blancos obviously failed to replace Cristiano Ronaldo; as they crashed out of the Champions League and finished 19 points adrift of champions Barcelona.
Zidane’s tactical experiment with a 3-5-2 shape offers the Belgian freedom behind Karim Benzema; with whom he looks to form a fruitful partnership. A recent goal against Red Bull Salzburg in pre-season would give him confidence as the season looms.
Influential Marksman
Hazard is a huge attacking influence and supplied the most assists (15) in the Premier League last season. His creativity would go some way in filling the void left by Ronaldo’s departure; with 2.5 shots per game last season and 2.6 key passes. The likes of Vinícius Júnior, Isco, Lucas Vázquez, Karim Benzema and Luka Jović are set to flourish with Hazard’s presence.
His darting runs will be a regular sight in La Liga as he looks to inspire Real to success. He attempted 3.7 dribbles per game drawing 2.8 fouls which ensures set piece opportunities for Madrid’s technically-gifted players. Hazard is a team player who would give all to the attacking dynamics of the team.
Conclusion
Eden Hazard is no Cristiano Ronaldo, 21 goals and 18 assists in all competitions pales in comparison to the Portuguese. However, the brilliant Belgian contributes more to the collective with his superb dribbling creating space and set pieces for teammates. 14 Man of the Match awards last year prove he’s ready to take the initiative as well as dazzle Spanish crowds.
His big game prowess also isn’t in question; with several important goals including in the 2018 FA cup final and 2019 Europa league final. Real Madrid have signed one of the Premier League’s best players in the peak of his powers; his wealth of attacking prowess will lead him to a fruitful career in La Liga.
Alongside Lionel Messi and possibly Neymar, the 2019/2020 La Liga season is set to be littered with superstar genius.
