Head to head: Messi v Hazard

LIONEL MESSI

Age: 27
Nationality: Argentina
Club: Barcelona
Position: Forward

STRENGTHS
Four goals in four appearances so far at the World Cup makes Messi the joint-second top goalscorer behind James Rodriguez. The Argentina captain has also contributed one assist, and 4.5 key passes per game, as he answers critics who have in the past accused him of not performing on the international stage. Messi has also completed six dribbles per game in Brazil this summer, which is more than any other player at the tournament.

WEAKNESSES
As a four-time World Player of the Year, it is pretty much impossible to pick something which is wrong with Messi’s game. Instead, his shortcomings are perhaps a consequence of his environment. He is under incredible levels of expectation in almost every match due to Argentina’s reliance upon his ability.

RUMOUR MILL
According to reports, Messi is the highest paid footballer in the world after signing a new contract with Barcelona in May. His future is therefore without doubt at the Camp Nou and there is little speculation.

EDEN HAZARD

 
Age: 23
Nationality: Belgium
Club: Chelsea
Position: Forward

STRENGTHS
Having produced two assists so far this summer, while also averaging three key passes per game, Hazard has been among the most creative players at the World Cup. Last season’s most successful dribbler in the Premier League has also carried on that attribute in Brazil, averaging 4.5 successful dribbles per match. That total is the fourth most out of all players at the World Cup.

WEAKNESSES

Hazard has yet to score for Belgium this summer and that will be a frustration for the Chelsea star, who found the back of the net 14 times in last season’s Premier League. His failure to score so far at the World Cup may be because he has had only seven shots. Belgium will need that to improve when Hazard goes head-to-head with Messi.

RUMOUR MILL
Stories linking Hazard with a move to mega-rich Paris Saint-Germain refuse to go away. However, Hazard told Belgian newspaper La Derniere Heure in June: "I am staying at Chelsea 100 per cent. Of course in football you never know but I am under contract with Chelsea and I want to stay there. And I am in discussions with Chelsea for a new contract.”