Eden Hazard, a Belgian football icon, has left a permanent mark on the beautiful game.
Throughout his career, he has mesmerized fans with his incredible dribbling ability, creative playmaking, and goal-scoring skills.
After his retirement in 2023, Hazard has shared his thoughts on two other football legends: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Eden Hazard’s Legacy
Before we dive into Hazard’s views on Messi and Ronaldo, let’s take a moment to appreciate the legacy he has left behind.
Hazard’s career began at Lille, where he showed his exceptional talent as a young player.
In 2012, he made a move to Chelsea, where he reached new heights and became one of the best players in the Premier League.
During his time at Chelsea, Hazard won multiple trophies, including two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two Europa Leagues.
Messi: The Greatest in History
When asked about players he considers superior to himself, Hazard quickly identified Messi as the only one.
“Individually, Messi is perhaps the only one. I enjoyed seeing the one in Barcelona, less towards the end, but he is the greatest player in history. Unplayable, impossible to take the ball from him, he’s just unbelievable,” he said.
Ronaldo: A Bigger Player, but Not Better
While Hazard recognized Ronaldo as a bigger player than himself, he emphasized that, in terms of pure football, he does not believe Ronaldo is better than him.
“Cristiano is a bigger player than me but, in terms of pure football, honestly, I don’t think so”
Hazard’s statement sparked intrigue and discussion among football enthusiasts.
Although Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record is unparalleled, Hazard’s emphasis on “pure football” suggests a focus on technical skills, creativity, and overall playing style.
The Numbers: Messi vs. Hazard vs. Ronaldo
To provide a comprehensive analysis, let’s compare the statistics of Messi, Hazard, and Ronaldo.
While statistics do not tell the whole story, they provide valuable insights into a player’s contribution on the field.
Here’s a breakdown of their achievements:
Statistic | Eden Hazard | Lionel Messi | Cristiano Ronaldo |
---|---|---|---|
Games | 748 | 1,033 | 1,198 |
Goals | 200 | 821 | 867 |
Assists | 193 | 399 | 282 |
These statistics highlight the incredible goal-scoring skills of both Messi and Ronaldo.
However, it is essential to note that Hazard’s playing style is different, focusing more on creativity and playmaking.
While his goal tally may not match that of Messi and Ronaldo, his impact on the game goes beyond mere numbers.
Hazard’s Perspective on Ronaldo’s Mentality
In addition to discussing his views on Messi and Ronaldo’s footballing abilities, Hazard shared insights into Ronaldo’s relentless work ethic and mentality.
When asked if he would have liked to have Ronaldo’s mentality during his career, Hazard said: “No. That wouldn’t have been me. After a match, I wouldn’t have spent an hour in a cold bath. Leave me alone, my mates and I go home, play cards and have a beer. I play with my sons in the garden for two hours. That was my recovery. If I’d been like Cristiano – and there are others – I’d have had a burn-out.”
The Messi-Ronaldo Debate: A Never-Ending Saga
The ongoing debate surrounding Messi and Ronaldo’s status as the greatest players in football history continues to fascinate fans and experts alike.
Hazard’s unique perspective adds another layer to this discussion.
While statistics often favor Ronaldo, Hazard’s claim that he was a better player than Ronaldo in terms of pure footballing ability invites further contemplation.
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