The close of Eden Hazards 11/12 season must have resembled every footballers dream, as the Lille winger had a host of elite clubs from across Europe eating out of the path of his hand. Having wowed Ligue 1 audiences with his lightning-quick footwork and dazzling skills, the 21 year old Belgian had an array of clubs willing to pounce for the boy who had just scored 20 league goals in his final season for the French side. Among his potential suitors was a certain Sir Alex Ferguson, who was steadily growing tired of Ashley Youngs inconsistency on the left-wing.
''Ive always wanted to play in England, there was a struggle between Chelsea and United, but to me Chelsea have the best project. I was in advanced contact with both clubs and I spoke to both coaches. I want to be playing in the Champions League every year. Initially, Chelsea were sixth and not in the Champions League. But when they won the Champions League and I said to myself, Why not Chelsea? The team are young are I have a better chance to play. - Eden Hazard, June 2012.
The youngsters foresight was admirable considering the Blues had just finished 25 points behind the Red Devils. However, while Manchester United have added a Premier League since Hazards arrival in England, the two clubs fortunes have since gone in opposite directions. The Belgian has blossomed under Jose Mourinhos tutelage, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year gong last season, as the side finished 18 points above a Manchester United outfit in disarray. With Chelsea looking a strong bet to win their first league title since 2010, while Man United struggle in the race for fourth spot, it looks like Hazard made a wise choice two summers ago.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
