Following Belgium’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Wales on Thursday night, Eden Hazard criticized his lack of first-team participation with Real Madrid this season.
The 31-year-old former Chelsea player has been hampered by ailments since joining Real Madrid for £130 million in 2019. Consequently, the Belgium captain has become a marginal character under Carlo Ancelotti, who led Real Madrid to the La Liga and Champions League titles. last season.
Hazard has only played 98 minutes domestically this season after starting one of Real Madrid’s six league games, but he was outstanding against Rob Page’s team in Brussels for his country. The clever winger, who has scored just seven goals in 70 games over his three years in Madrid, is vying for a spot on his country’s World Cup roster, which begins in Qatar in two months.
Despite his recent troubles, he insists that he is still the same player that dominated the Premier League during his seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge – but he needs consistent action to get to his best.
After playing 65 minutes against Wales, Hazard told RTL that he was pleased to have started another game. “I believe you witnessed that. I enjoy playing, and it was great to play for the fans here [in Brussels] again. Our first half was excellent.” I know my capabilities. Now I want to prepare for the World Cup by getting in shape. We’ll see what [Roberto Martinez] decides, but I’m happiest when I’m on the field. When playing, I give my everything. The position at Real Madrid is tricky. I wish I could play more, but I am unable to.” I’ve always believed that the old Eden Hazard will return whenever he plays. I simply need to get back in the groove.”
Hazard was linked with a move away from Real Madrid this summer due to his weakened standing in Ancelotti’s squad. However, the transfer did not materialize, and Ancelotti intimated in August that the winger was slated to play a larger part this season.
Ancelotti previously stated on Hazard, “I don’t sure how much he can play, but he will play more than he did last season. He can play in a variety of positions, including up top, on the left, and on the right. we are evaluating him as a false nine… Likewise, he can exhibit his excellence there.”