Eden Hazard’s ongoing discussions about his vision of “pure football” continue to make headlines, shedding light on his admiration for certain types of players.
In a recent statement, the retired Belgian footballer boldly asserted that only Lionel Messi could rival him in what he described as “pure football,” placing himself ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of technical prowess while acknowledging Ronaldo’s unmatched goal-scoring ability.
While reactions to Hazard’s assertion have been mixed, his latest comments offer insights into the kind of players he finds captivating.
Known for his technical brilliance and exceptional ball-dribbling skills, Hazard appears to gravitate towards players who exhibit extraordinary technical ability, flair, and creativity in addition to their goal-scoring prowess.
Interestingly, Hazard omitted Erling Haaland, the prolific goal-scoring striker for Manchester City, from his list of intriguing players.
Despite Haaland’s remarkable goal-scoring record, he is often criticized for his perceived lack of technical finesse. Instead, Hazard singled out three of Haaland’s teammates at Manchester City, along with Jude Bellingham, a promising talent making waves in La Liga since his move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham is widely tipped for a bright future in the sport.
Hazard’s statement, reported by Football Tweet on Mikel Obi’s podcast, underscores his appreciation for players like Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Jude Bellingham, and Jack Grealish, who exemplify exceptional technical ability and creativity on the field.
Despite Haaland’s reputation as an exceptional goal-scorer, Hazard’s remarks highlight his preference for players who combine technical brilliance with flair and inventiveness.
While Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess is unquestionable, Hazard’s focus on players with multifaceted skill sets reflects his personal preferences in football.
Interestingly, Hazard also revealed the most talented teammate he has played with during his senior career. Surprisingly, it is not a well-known player like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Luka Modric, or Kevin De Bruyne.
Instead, Hazard singled out Gael Kakuta, a former France youth international, as the most gifted partner he has played with, despite Kakuta’s less-than-stellar stint with Chelsea.
In summary, Hazard’s comments offer valuable insights into his admiration for players who excel not only in goal-scoring but also in technical brilliance, flair, and creativity on the field.
His omission of Haaland from his list of intriguing players underscores his personal preferences in football, while his acknowledgment of Kakuta’s talent highlights the nuanced aspects of player partnerships in the game.
