Carlo Ancelotti is doing his best to make it work by giving him chances, and Eden Hazard is giving his all, but it’s just not enough for the Belgian to shine at Real Madrid.
He’s shown some signs of improvement, but the winger is still far from the form which convinced Los Blancos to sign him 2019.
Two years ago, he joined the club as a star, but now he can’t win games for his tea, as was shown against Sheriff Tiraspol on Tuesday. Injuries are still having an impact on his game.
In the last few games, he’s featured on the right, with Vincius Junior operating on the left.
Nobody doubts Ancelotti’s decision to give the Brazilian that role, though it is no secret that the former Chelsea forward operates best on the left, cutting inside to shoot on his right foot.
Against the Moldovan team in the Champions League, Hazard had three shots on-target and tried to create chances, completing 29 of his 34 passes.
He was fouled three times, one of them being right on his injured ankle which left him limping before he was taken off on 66 minutes.
A confidence blow
Ancelotti believes in Eden Hazard, and thinks that he can be a player who makes a difference. He has been impressed by his work rate and thinks that Real Madrid need him.
But chances keep passing Hazard by without him making an impact, and the dressing room believe that he needs the impact of winning a game, of being the star, to boost his confidence.
He has played in seven of the nine games played this season, without a single goal or assist and still yet to complete 90 minutes, with two being for less than 15 minute appearances.
Patience is beginning to wear thin for Hazard, particularly with fans who welcomed him warmly this season.
Vinicius’ form, Karim Benzema’s genius and Rodrygo Goes’ clinical finishing all make them alternatives, while Hazard is yet to take off this season, despite arriving as one of the best players in the world.
Eden Hazard himself knows that Real Madrid are patient with him, and aged 30 and with two serious injuries behind him, he may never recover his best form.
Even so, those at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu want more from Hazard, and time is running out.
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