As
Eden Hazard signs a new contract with Chelsea, we look at some of the stats
which mark the Belgian out as one of the Premier League's best and consider
his potential to become one of the top players on the planet...
"Probably the best young player in the world," is how Jose Mourinho
described Eden Hazard earlier this season.
While summer signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have added a cutting
edge to a Chelsea side now strong favourites to win the Premier League, last
season’s PFA Young Player of the Year continues to shine - and his contract
extension to 2020 will delight the Blues boss.
The stats demonstrate just how important Hazard is to the table-toppers.
The 24-year-old tops the charts for chances created from open play (66) and
is far and away the most prolific dribbler in the division, with his total
of 112 dribbles - 36 more than anyone else. He also has nine goals and five
assists to his name, meaning only six players have been involved in more
goals than Hazard this term.
As a result of his impressive form, Mourinho has used Hazard in every
Premier League and Champions League fixture this season, which is something
no other Blues player can claim, while two goals and two assists in five
fixtures against the top flight's top five highlights the player's growing
influence in the big matches.
Hazard has the respect of his rivals, too. Raheem Sterling named Hazard as
the best opponent he’s ever faced while, in a different display of
appreciation, 17 different opponents have been booked for stopping him
illegally; Hazard is the most-fouled player in the Premier League.
Evolution
Unsurprisingly the plaudits have come thick and fast from pundits, peers and
colleagues alike, however, it is Hazard’s progression which is most
impressing his manager.
Hazard – who joined from Lille in a £32m move in 2012 - had several run-ins
with Mourinho last season and was even dropped for a Champions League
fixture after not making it back from a trip to France in time for training
but the Portuguese has no complaints about his wonderful winger this term.
"Credit for him," said Mourinho, when asked about Hazard’s development this
season. "He didn’t lose his spontaneity, he didn’t lose his happiness, he
didn’t lose his creativity, none of his good qualities, but he won some
other qualities.
"Even physically. Look at him, he’s a small guy, but he’s very strong. He
scores with his head now, jumps well, he’s strong to hold off contact from
opponents.
"We
are doing that with him progressively, we didn’t try to do it by flicking a
switch. It’s progressive and a great evolution."
Where that evolution will take Hazard remains to be seen. The player himself
has said he does not currently rank himself among the world’s top five. By
the time Euro 2020 comes around, there’s every chance he could be.
Mourinho says Hazard "has the legs" to get there eventually and there’s no
question the player has the drive. Importantly for Chelsea, he feels he’s at
the right place to achieve that goal, as well.
"I’m in one of the best clubs in the world and I can win every trophy
because we have a very strong team. I don’t want to leave," Hazard told Sky
Sports earlier this season.
"If I want to be one of the best I need to be in one of the best teams. I
need help, I need a good team and that is what I have here."
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