The Belgium international was replaced by Oscar having failed to make an impact in the Champions League exit at the hands of PSG and his future seems more uncertain than ever
Twelve months ago, Eden Hazard was the darling of Chelsea Football Club. Leading the club to Premier League glory and set to win the PFA Player of the Season award, it seemed the Belgian was set to join Didier Drogba and Petr Cech as one of the Blues’ legendary imports.
But after being booed by some sections of Stamford Bridge as he was substituted following another forgettable performance against Paris Saint-Germain, it is clear that the former Lille man is unlikely to still be in west London next term.
Hazard’s poor form in the first half of the season was attributed to a deteriorating relationship with Jose Mourinho, and he was far from alone in failing to hit his previous heights.
But while Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have stepped up their performance levels since Mourinho’s sacking, Hazard continues to underwhelm on almost every occasion he takes to the pitch.
Having claimed it would be difficult to turn down a move to PSG on the eve of the first leg of Chelsea’s Champions League tie with the French champions, many supporters felt that he was coming to the end of his time with the English champions.
And after swapping shirts with Angel Di Maria at half time of the second leg with the tie still in the balance, it is clear Hazard’s mind is far from on the task in hand. His heart no longer belongs to Chelsea, and the Blues do not need players putting in minimal effort as they enter a crucial stage of their development as a club.
Antonio Conte will take over a club that is not playing Champions League football next season and must turn them into challengers on both a domestic and European level within three seasons. The 2012 Champions League winners are set for something of a transition period, but Roman Abramovich is unlikely to be patient. It is imperative that the Italian shows similar traits with Hazard.
On Wednesday the 25-year-old struggled to make any mark on the game as he was blunted for long periods by the defensively minded Marquinhos at right-back. While last season the winger would look to come inside and create from a central position, he seemed happier to wait for the game to come to him rather than vice-versa.
In contrast Willian and Pedro were far more creative behind Diego Costa as they regularly switched positions and fought to win the ball back off the PSG midfield. They are players Conte will likely depend on when he arrives following Euro 2016. Hazard looks far from reliable, obviously looking for a change of scene and a new challenge.
Hazard's most likely destination would be Real Madrid or PSG. But with the Belgium international having failed to impress in either clash with Laurent Blanc’s side, a return to Ligue 1 looks rather unlikely. Blanc can call upon Angel Di Maria and Lucas Moura in wide areas, and both offered a greater threat than their opposing winger.
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And so Madrid seems to be the only place where Hazard is likely to be welcomed with open arms. As a transfer ban looms, Los Blancos are expected to go on a spending spree this summer, particularly after a campaign that could see them finish the season empty handed. Like Chelsea, they are a side in transition, but have Champions League football and the promise of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo to tempt him.
Chelsea cannot compete with that for at least the next season, and Hazard has made no secret of the fact he sees Europe’s premier club competition as the final thing to tick off his list of achievements outside of the international arena. It is becoming clearer by the week that this fact is playing on his mind, and his inability to raise his performance level to keep that dream alive with his current club is damning.
Eden Hazard wants to leave Chelsea, and the number of fans who would be sad to see him move on is dwindling at Stamford Bridge. His heart just does not appear to be in it anymore.
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- Goal**