Why the World Cup is the perfect stage for Belgium star Eden Hazard to become world class

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar. What do those three have in common?

All three carry the hopes of their nation on their shoulders and all three have been told by the media that to establish themselves amongst the legends of the game they have to make this World Cup their own. Slipping comparatively under the radar is another attacking player, one with the ability to change games and fortunes but one who is not being talked about in the same way.

Belgium’s Eden Hazard is on the cusp of greatness; he is coming into this tournament off the back of his most productive domestic season and he is playing in an extremely vibrant and exciting Belgium side. Yet despite this a lot of people aren’t really talking about Hazard.

For one thing, in Belgium the focus is much more on Kevin De Bruyne of Wolfsburg. De Bruyne played a more important role in qualification and is seen by many as the more important player for Marc Wilmots’ side.

On his day though, Hazard is up there with the best in the world and if he plays to the best of his ability he will be the key man for Belgium, not De Bruyne.

Eden Hazard’s chance creation compared to some of the game’s greats

This season for Chelsea, Hazard created 92 chances. This was not only the highest of any player in the Premier League, it was also more than Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar combined. Hazard complimented these excellent creative figures by scoring 14 goals in the league, making him the Blues’ top scorer.

When he first arrived at Stamford Bridge, there was an incredible sense of intrigue surrounding Hazard. While his first season in England was very promising there was still a sense he had so much more to give.

This season, under Jose Mourinho, he has taken on more responsibility within the team. With the absence of a genuinely world class forward Hazard has realised that he needs to step up for his team and provide a regular goal threat. He has certainly done that with decisive goals in matches against West Bromwich Albion, Liverpool and Newcastle this season.

Eden Hazard’s shot accuracy for Chelsea this season

His close control and exception dribbling ability have made him a constant menace to defences across the country and teams have often had to revert to doubling up on him.

However, there have been some criticisms, most notably from his own manager. Jose Mourinho has publicly chastised Hazard for his defensive work and it is clear this is an area that the Portuguese manager believes his starlet can still improve. The strides he has taken this season though are positive, and despite rumours of a falling out Hazard has done everything possible to convince journalists that he is happy at Stamford Bridge.

At 23 years of age Hazard is reaching a crucial stage in his development. He needs to flourish in a major tournament to reaffirm his status as one of the best players in the world. He was impressive in the Champions League but the manner of Chelsea’s exit didn’t help his reputation and a strong performance with Belgium could be exactly what he needs.

Despite the talent within the squad many view Belgium as an overhyped team who will wilt under the pressure. Hazard needs to lead his country in this tournament and produce the sort of performances that persuaded Chelsea to shell out for him.

In Wilmots’ formation Hazard will play in his preferred role on the left, part of the trio that will support Romelu Lukaku up front.

A group containing Algeria, Russia and South Korea is far from the toughest assignment that Belgium could have been handed and they will be confident of reaching the next round. From then onwards anything could happen and Hazard will fancy himself to succeed in a tournament with only a few genuinely world class right-backs.

Hazard is a player with the ability to make incredible things happen when the ball is at his feet, he is the sort of player that gets crowds excited and he is at the perfect place in his career to demonstrate his talent on the world stage. Belgium need to prove that they are worthy of the hype and now is the time for Hazard to do the same.

World class players need to be exceptional consistently, not just for one season. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have already done this and Hazard can join them in this bracket with a good showing in Brazil.