Hazard to Chelsea: A Dream Come True or a Nightmare Waiting to Happen?

Eden Hazard’s return to Chelsea is one of the most surprising transfer rumors of the summer. The Belgian star left the Blues in 2019 for a whopping €100 million fee, joining Real Madrid with high expectations. However, his time in Spain has been plagued by injuries, poor form, and criticism from fans and media. He has scored only five goals in 43 appearances for Los Blancos, far below his standards and potential.

According to some reports, Hazard could be on his way back to Stamford Bridge, where he won two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies, and one FA Cup. The twist? He could be available for free, as Real Madrid is already offloaded him for his huge wages and free up space for other signings. Chelsea are reportedly interested in reuniting with their former hero, who still has a good relationship with the club and the fans.

But is this deal realistic? And would it be a good move for both parties? In this blog post, we will analyze how Hazard would fit in Chelsea’s current squad and system and what challenges he would face if he rejoined the Blues.

Hazard’s best position is on the left wing, where he can cut inside and create chances with his dribbling, passing, and shooting skills. He can also play as a second striker or a number 10, where he can link up with the main striker and exploit the spaces behind the defense. However, Chelsea has undergone a massive overhaul this summer, selling most of their attacking players and hiring Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager. Hazard would have to adapt to a new style of play and a new set of teammates, who might not have the same chemistry or understanding as before.

Pochettino likes to play with a 3-5-2-1 formation, where he uses a creative playmaker behind a lone striker. This player is expected to provide vision and flair but also to press and work hard when needed. Hazard could fit in this system as the playmaker, where he could be the focal point of Chelsea’s attack and have more freedom to express himself. However, he would also have to show more consistency and leadership, which are not his strongest attributes. He might struggle to cope with Pochettino’s high demands and expectations, especially after his injury problems.

Alternatively, Hazard could play as a winger in Pochettino’s system, where he would have more space and opportunities to run at defenders and create chances. He could use his pace and skill to beat defenders and deliver crosses into the box. However, he would also have to track back and help out the defense when required. He might not have the stamina or the discipline to play in this role, which is more suited for players like Son, Moura, or Bergwijn.