Thursday 12 February 2015 13:34, UK
As Eden Hazard signs a new contract with Chelsea, we look at some of the stats which mark the Belgian out as one of the Premier League's best and consider his potential to become one of the top players on the planet...
"Probably the best young player in the world," is how Jose Mourinho described Eden Hazard earlier this season.
While summer signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have added a cutting edge to a Chelsea side now strong favourites to win the Premier League, last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year continues to shine - and his contract extension to 2020 will delight the Blues boss.
The stats demonstrate just how important Hazard is to the table-toppers.
The 24-year-old tops the charts for chances created from open play (66) and is far and away the most prolific dribbler in the division, with his total of 112 dribbles - 36 more than anyone else. He also has nine goals and five assists to his name, meaning only six players have been involved in more goals than Hazard this term.
As a result of his impressive form, Mourinho has used Hazard in every Premier League and Champions League fixture this season, which is something no other Blues player can claim, while two goals and two assists in five fixtures against the top flight's top five highlights the player's growing influence in the big matches.
Hazard has the respect of his rivals, too. Raheem Sterling named Hazard as the best opponent he’s ever faced while, in a different display of appreciation, 17 different opponents have been booked for stopping him illegally; Hazard is the most-fouled player in the Premier League.
Evolution
Unsurprisingly the plaudits have come thick and fast from pundits, peers and colleagues alike, however, it is Hazard’s progression which is most impressing his manager.
Hazard – who joined from Lille in a £32m move in 2012 - had several run-ins with Mourinho last season and was even dropped for a Champions League fixture after not making it back from a trip to France in time for training but the Portuguese has no complaints about his wonderful winger this term.
"Credit for him," said Mourinho, when asked about Hazard’s development this season. "He didn’t lose his spontaneity, he didn’t lose his happiness, he didn’t lose his creativity, none of his good qualities, but he won some other qualities.
"Even physically. Look at him, he’s a small guy, but he’s very strong. He scores with his head now, jumps well, he’s strong to hold off contact from opponents.
"We are doing that with him progressively, we didn’t try to do it by flicking a switch. It’s progressive and a great evolution."
Where that evolution will take Hazard remains to be seen. The player himself has said he does not currently rank himself among the world’s top five. By the time Euro 2020 comes around, there’s every chance he could be.
Mourinho says Hazard "has the legs" to get there eventually and there’s no question the player has the drive. Importantly for Chelsea, he feels he’s at the right place to achieve that goal, as well.
"I’m in one of the best clubs in the world and I can win every trophy because we have a very strong team. I don’t want to leave," Hazard told Sky Sports earlier this season.
"If I want to be one of the best I need to be in one of the best teams. I need help, I need a good team and that is what I have here."
