6 reasons why Hazard can match the "Big Two"

Eden Hazard has taken the English Premier League by storm since his much hyped 32 million switch to Chelsea Football Club. In the four games that he has played in, he has picked up four Man Of the Match awards, six assists and a goal.

Everyone has began comparing him to the two best footballers out there at this moment. Namely, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Obviously there were those who laughed off such comparisons but I ask those who did so: what if it does happen? Can Eden Hazard really end up as one of the best footballers of the new generation?

1 . Proven at the biggest stage

Proving a point

This is probably the main reason why Hazard can actually defy the myth. He basically ran the show for Lille in French Ligue 1 and when he moved to the Premier League, questions were asked whether he can fit in to the fast-paced and aggressive tempo of an English game. All doubts were cleared and answered when he faced Wigan in the opener and went on to steal the limelight against Reading, Wigan and QPR. Against City, he was probably Chelsea’s standout player, despite the failed backheel.

Cristiano Ronaldo was magnificent for Manchester United and on moving to La Liga, he found the opponents much easier to handle, which can be just one indicator to why the Premier League is one of the best league’s in the world.

2. Knows what modern football expects of him

A tactical approach to winning penalties.

It’s a surprise to many how Eden was able to draw two penalties and could have got a third one against QPR. His turn of pace and trickery at the edge of the box is too tough for the physical defenders of the English Premier League to handle.

There’s a fine line between diving at the box or going down at the exact time. From carefully analyzing the two penalties Hazard won and the one Hazard was supposed to win, you can clearly see that he tempts the defender to stick out a leg and falls down at the exact same moment. Diver or not, this is probably one of the smartest ways of winning penalties – and to me sheer logic over theatrics.

3. The tender age

Eden Hazard in white

Messi is 25 and Ronaldo is 27. On the other hand , Eden Hazard is just 21. It’s a widely believed fact that the player reaches his prime and plays his best football between the ages of 27 -29. Eden Hazard has probably got 6 long years to go and loads of time to learn everything he needs to know. If his current form is shown in Europe and England , then there is little denying the fact that he can be one of the best in the world.

4. Versatile

Can play with either foot

Eden Hazard can play in attacking roles on any side and with any foot. Forward, winger, attacking midfielder and covering left back. He has done it all in his first 6 games. On the wings, he can cut in and shoot with either of his feet, which increases the chance of it hitting the target; as compared to players who have to bring the ball on to their favored leg. This ability puts him nearly on par with the “big two”.

5. Early days but still being compared?

A legend in the making?

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard were all tipped for greatness at the same stages of their careers(between the ages 17 and 21).

Eden Hazard has been compared to Lionel Messi, with the most freakiest of comparisons being the fact that they both are exactly the same height, 5 foot 7 inches. More recently he was compared to French footballing legend, Zinedine Zidane – something that does not happen to every footballer.

6. The “playing for country factor”

Chance to prove himself at the international stage?

One of the biggest downsides for Ronaldo and Messi are that their international achievements are not up to the mark, especially for the Barcelona talisman. Eden Hazard is a Belgian and his national team is regarded as one of the biggest prospects on the international stage in the near future. With the likes of Kompany, Hazard, De Bruyne, Lukaku, Witsel and a few others, Belgium will be in and around the World Cup(s) and Euro Championships in the coming years which will just add to Eden Hazard’s alread-impressive CV.

There’s a long road for him to go and Chelsea fans will be hoping for the best. Expect Mario Gotze and Neymar to find themselves in a similar position.