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Eden Hazard has been little short of spectacular this season, living up to the promise he showed as a flashy teenager at Lille to become one of the Premier League -- and Europe's -- top footballers. But although he's dazzling onlookers at Stamford Bridge, he's yet to really shine on the international stage. And that's a problem for Belgium coach Marc Wilmots, whose most talented player needs to excel in order for the Red Devils to make an impact in Brazil this summer:
Wilmots: "Hazard has to ameliorate his stats. 5 goals in almost 50 games? Insufficient.I scored 29 times for Belgium and was less talented."
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) March 18, 2014
Wilmots: "I once played with Zidane. The ball was a part of him, nothing was impossible. I have the same feeling when #Hazard has the ball."
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) March 18, 2014
It's fair enough -- Hazard's never done enough for Belgium considering his status, and Wilmot's cricitisms are actually in line with what Jose Mourinho was saying about the 23-year-old way back in August, back when he was still very-good-Eden Hazard and not world-destroying-joy-dispenser-Eden Hazard.
The nice thing about Hazard, of course, is that he seems to thrive under this sort of pressure. Normally saying 'please score more goals' isn't particularly good coaching; in Hazard's case, however, he's already responded to a similar request for Chelsea. Now it's just a matter of showing his stuff on the biggest stage.
