Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has today discussed Eden Hazard’s chances of establishing himself as Real Madrid’s next superstar.
Speaking in an interview with Marca, Lionel Messi was asked whether he feels as though Hazard possesses the quality to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo, and kick on to become Los Blancos’ next superstar.
Barca’s captain, though, was typically diplomatic with his response:
‘Hazard has a lot of quality. He is a different football player who can unbalance [defences]. But I think he is different to Cristiano, with different characteristics. It is very difficult to replace Cristiano, but Hazard is also a great player.’
However, despite having arrived in Madrid amid widespread fanfare, Hazard has since struggled to live up to expectations over the early months of the season.
A combination of injury issues and a lack of form have seen the Belgian notch just a solitary goal, across 13 appearances.
Hazard has, all told, looked some way short of his brilliant best.
Nevertheless, though the hope remains that the 28-year-old will eventually rediscover his form of seasons past, to push Real Madrid back to the top of the European game.
Hazard’s next chance to impress, meanwhile, was due to be tomorrow night, in Spanish football’s biggest fixture.
Real and Barcelona are set to go head-to-head at the Camp Nou in 24 hours’ time, in the season’s first El Clasico.
Hazard, though, has been ruled out of the clash through injury.
