Can Eden Hazard find his form and lead Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League Glory?

Photo: Real Madrid

When Eden Hazard joined Real Madrid in July this year, it was a move that would supposedly take Los Blancos back to where they belong – dominating La Liga and winning their 14th Champions League trophy. Unfortunately, it hasn’t really panned out as planned.

Yes, Zinedine Zidane’s men are currently second in La Liga and two points behind their arch-rivals, Barcelona. But, the 29-year-old Belgian attacking midfielder has little to do with where Real find themselves at the moment. In fact, since joining them for a reported fee of €100 million-plus extras, he has disappointed.

He is not the only player at the Bernabéu to have under-performed. Thirty-year-old Welsh striker, Gareth Bale, has also been hugely disappointing. Whereas Bale clearly has problems being appreciated and selected by manager Zinedine Zidane, Eden Hazard’s problems are not personal and are more to do with his fitness.

The ex-Chelsea player has been on the side-lines since getting injured in Real’s Champions League tussle with Paris Saint-Germain just before Christmas. However, before that, Hazard has not really performed as we know he can. He sustained a hamstring injury pre-season which meant he could do no more than sit out and watch Real Madrid’s first three matches.

When he did get back to fitness, his contribution on the pitch was underwhelming and he scored only once, although, he did chalk-up four assists.

Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, who Los Blancos face in their next Champions League fixture, believes that the Belgian still needs time to adjust to his new surroundings. There must be something going on at the Bernabéu, according to Guardiola. There can be no doubt that Hazard is a world-class player and hopefully, he will come good.

Eden Hazard will soon have the chance to live up to Guardiola’s prediction. He is back in full training and is anxious to get back into action. However, Zinedine Zidane is very protective when it comes down to the fitness of his players.

Reports claim Hazard was desperate to play in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Real Sociedad but Zidane had the final say. The Belgian was not listed in the 19-man squad named by Zidane. Neither was Gareth Bale, even though he was available. Rumours of Bale making a surprise return to Tottenham Hotspur have come to nothing and the transfer window is now closed.

With regard to Eden Hazard, one thing is for sure. Fully fit, and back to his best form, he can make an enormous contribution to the rest of the season for Los Blancos. His guile, skill and Premiership experience will be essential when Real entertain Manchester City in the Champions League at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, the 26th of February.

In conclusion, his presence in the side, if he avoids further injury, could lead them to both La Liga and Champions League glory.