Talisman danger, back where it belongs

For Eden Hazard, the first season at Chelsea was supposed to be difficult, given the immense physical demands of the Premier League and his modest 5’8 height. “Although Hazard was announced respectable with 13 goals on the season The next season he scored 17 goals plus the PFA Young Player of the Year award. The following season, he scored another 19 and won the PFA Player of the Year award. Both seasons he was unanimously voted Chelsea Player of the Year. .

Three seasons with the West London team and Hazard was a superstar. His dribbling skills were fascinating, his ability to outsmart defenders with ease was a pleasure to watch. He could score at will, his pace was incredible and his set pieces were brilliant.

In fact, terminologies like ‘the next Messi’ and ‘a future Ballon d’Or’ were heard when referring to Hazard. And while Hazard found himself crashing into soccer turf often, courtesy of an aggressive defense, his form took an abruptly similar turn in no time.

Playing the 2015-16 season for the defending Premier League champions, Hazard lost possession often and it seemed his heart was not in the game. He tried to change it but nothing came out. Their tally of just six goals was symbiotic to Chelsea’s own decline during the season, as they endured a modest 10th place. Unfortunately for the Belgian, he got the brunt of criticism from the media, former players and experts.

They said he was “lightning in the pan”, “wimp” and “overrated”. PSG and Real Madrid generously offered to give him a way out. West London was not a happy place.

All of that was about to change.

The new season brought a new Italy coach Antonio Conte and a new line-up that did wonders for Chelsea and indeed Hazard.

As part of the lead from the unusual 3-4-3, Hazard found all the boost he needed. With his hunger for return, he tore apart the opposition defenders, looking stronger and sharper. He scored free again and his passes and first touches were precise and incisive.

Driven by their 14 goals so far, the West Londoners sit quite atop the league table with a bit of daylight between them and their closest opponents. He has definitely shut down all skeptics and returned to elite status. Those comparisons of Messi and declarations of the Balloon of Gold are again in circulation.

A big change for the Belgian magician!