Eze’s Admiration for Hazard: A Reflection on a Football Icon

Despite committing his future to Arsenal, Eberechi Eze openly expresses his admiration for Chelsea icon Eden Hazard, who achieved remarkable feats during his seven-year tenure in West London. Over 352 appearances, Hazard recorded 110 goals and 92 assists, showcasing a level of creativity that was unparalleled in the league at the time. According to BBC statistics, he created 595 chances, attempted 1,441 dribbles with 909 successful completions, and drew an impressive 638 fouls, often leaving defenders in his wake. Hazard’s influence extended beyond the numbers; his pivotal goals, including the title-winning strike against Crystal Palace in 2015 and the equalizer during the notorious ‘Battle of the Bridge’ against Tottenham, are etched in the memories of fans and players alike. For many young talents, including Eze, Hazard’s playing style was in a league of its own.

In an exclusive interview on GOAL’s “Beast Mode On” podcast, Eze stated, “Eden Hazard was my favourite player to watch. You had Dinho (Ronaldinho), Neymar, (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo… these guys, you know. Eden Hazard, man.”

When asked what set Hazard apart from his peers, Eze emphasized his freedom on the pitch: “Freedom. Freedom. Freedom. He did what he felt was right in the moment. He wasn’t overthinking; he was simply expressing himself. You could see he enjoyed being effective as a player, as well as the style in which he played. So, for me, that’s my guy.”

Hazard himself has often reminisced fondly about his time at Chelsea. In a previous interview with The Standard, he regarded it as the defining chapter of his professional journey. “I spent seven years there… it was the best memory of my football career,” Hazard reflected. “My best season was my second with Mourinho when we won the Premier League and the League Cup. The manager was the Special One, and it’s difficult to convey the feelings after games when the fans were all so happy.”