November 3, 2020, Valdebebas, MADRID, SPAIN: Eden Hazard of Real Madrid gestures during the UEFA Champions League, Group B, football match played between Real Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium on November 03, 2020, in Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain. Valdebebas SPAIN - ZUMAa181 20201103_zaa_a181_075 Copyright: xOscarxJ.xBarrosox
According to OKDario (h/t Express), Eden Hazard is Pep Guardiola’s dream signing at Manchester City. Despite Hazard’s Real Madrid struggles, the City manager believes that he could be a good addition to the side and work in tandem with his Belgian teammate Kevin De Bruyne.
For now, Real Madrid aren’t looking to move on Hazard but given they have transfer targets like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Eduardo Camavinga, Hazard might be the one they could let go to raise funds. City and Guardiola are likely to be first responders in that scenario.
What difference a year and a half makes. Eden Hazard should know that more than anyone. Prior to his dream move to Real Madrid in 2019, Eden Hazard was probably the best player in the Premier League.
Recruited from Lille in 2012, Hazard went on to have a very successful spell in London as he won a bunch of trophies including the Premier League and Europa League.
There were very few players in world football as dangerous as an in-form Hazard at Chelsea. Even fewer who could replicate what he did with the ball at his feet. A master dribbler of the ball, Hazard spared no defence in the English top-flight.
His contributions in front of goal were among the best – 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 games. He has struggled massively during his stay at Real Madrid though and looks nothing close to his Chelsea form.
From 2017 to 2019, Manchester City dominated English football like no other team. They amassed a staggering 100 points in 2018 and another 98 in 2019 en route to their successive Premier League titles. It was the first time a team had defended its Premier League crown since Manchester United did it in 2010 and 2011.
It showed over the last season and a half as to how much of a toll it had taken on City that they failed to get even close to champions Liverpool. Even this season, they have looked bereft of their usual swagger and that has opened up a bit of a gap between the leaders and themselves.
It is clear that they could use a superstar signing to bolster their attack and Eden Hazard could be exactly that. The 30-year-old is a prover performer in the Premier League who has a lot of experience too. Add to that his winning mentality and City could get a genuine match winner.
There does remain the concern of his recent injury issues but if City can somehow find a way to keep him fit, he could be a fine addition to their attack. Just to think of an attack consisting of Hazard, Aguero and Sterling sounds mouth-watering.