That was the view of the sky sports pundits yesterday. Don't get me wrong Hazard has plenty of talent, but to say he's on another level is along way wide of the mark. For Hazard to be classed as 'on another level' or 'unplayable' he needs to do a lot more than he's currently doing. 2 goals in the Premier League so far, and one of those was from the penalty spot, is not the form of a man who is 'on another level' to everyone else. Players like Ronaldo and Messi are on another level, these are players that impact games regularly, scoring goal after goal. Hazard isn't even on Di Maria's level, never mind up there with the very best. Hazard lacks an end product to his game, and that's why his goals and assist stats aren't impressive. He can skip past as many players as he likes but if he doesn't provide an end product to the move then he may aswell have not done it in the first place, as it has no impact on the result of the game. Look at yesterday when he made that great move to get through on goal, and then choked infront of De Gea. Yes it was a good save, but the very best don't give the keepers a chance in that situation. Don't get me wrong I think Hazard has great potential, but he needs to do a lot more before pundits start referring to him as unplayable or on another level.
Maybe they meant on another level to the rest of the Chelsea team? I think I heard Neville say that he is getting better and better and I thought that was true enough. With every season he does seem to be getting better. Have to say I enjoy watching him. He does twist and turn and skip past players - what's not to like?! He does lack an end product though but for some reason (and this is just a hunch) I don't think he's bothered about that atm.
Hazard or Di Maria? Close call IMO. On his day I don't think Hazard is at the Ronaldo level yet but is probably at the next rung now but lacks the consistency. Still probably a couple of years from his peak too.
What do you mean he is not at Ronaldo's level yet? He will never get to Ronaldo's level, as he is a million miles away from Ronaldo even now. When Ronaldo was 23 he scored 31 league goals, and he won the golden boot in the CL. Carrying his team to a PL and CL double, which resulted in him winning his first Ballon Do'r. As for Di Maria, he's played less games, scored more goals and made more assists than Hazard playing in a side that's form has been inconsistent so far. I know who I'd rather in my team.
Don't get me wrong Hazard is nowhere near Ronaldo yet, but saying Di Maria is a much better player than Hazard due to goals and assists this season is ridiculous. All his assists have been shots that luckily landed at a team mates feet to score and one of his goals was a fluke free-kick. As for Hazard, his lack of more of an end product is because he is not the focal point of our team, Di Maria is for United and they have nobody else, unlike us with Costa and Fabregas, to keep giving the ball to and trying to make things happen.
Hazard is our most dangerous player and a heap better than when he joined. He is still to come to terms with Costas' play and when he does, I am sure we will see his (Hazards) goals start to come. To me it looks like Oscar plays better with Willian than Schurrle, and with Fabregas our only real creative midfielder, there are still a few wrinkles to work out the best combination. Throw Ramires in to the equation (and Abe for mine) and the team can play completely different styles. Which one is best for which opposition is Joses call, but Hazard will be in the thick of things for sure. Thought Luis played very well by the way, and is starting to look the business.
Hazard is a tremendous talent. His ability running with the ball is exceptional. His decision making and final ball is still very erratic but that will improve with age as he's still young. He'll be a Barca player next season or the season after, mega money transfer.
Hazard is key to what we achieve this year. He's the modern equivalent of Frank Blunstone and Charlie Cooke. Forget about his goal tally and just watch how he he' gets the oppo's defence into a complete muddle!
Of course he is nowhere near Ronaldo's level but who is (maybe Messi aside). He's certainly in the top bracket of premier league players atm and stats don't tell the whole picture. He is often double teamed which means it's harder for him to have an impact but easier for others such as Fabregas to get space. Di Maria also a very good footballer but I know who'd I'd rather have as well. Hazard in 23 man short list for Ballan Dor says enough really, only 1 of 2 premier league players who played in the league last year.
I love how skillful hazard is and how much he has come on but a few things frustrate me with Hazard: - His shooting is a bit erratic, he has scored some worldies but more often that not his shots just do not hit the back of the net (Mr Lampard was the best at this) - He loves to dribble past players. Too much in fact. My biggest bug bear with him and willian are they like to slowdown first before then beating their man. Time and time again on the edge of a packed box they would do this and maybe try beat them twice allowing for the defence to reset. On this i actually prefer Di Maria who is far more direct and will just whip the ball in. Exciting times though and i can see Hazards improvement. Just hope he works on his end product rather than working on how to beat a man repeatedly
Love Hazard but he needs to be a lot more consistent to be considered up there with the best. How anybody doesn't enjoy watching him though is beyond me.
Agree with your analysis. He can dazzle you with his footwork in close, but every time he has the ball, he runs down the left wing then stops just outside the box, and plays around with the ball instead of doing something positive with it, ultimately wasting yet another chance. Defenders have to know he's going to do this same play nearly every time, and will squeeze him even more if he doesn't take it further. Don't see him going to Barca. Maybe PSG or possibly Bayern Munich.
