Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes that it is time for Chelsea star Eden Hazard to step up the plate and become a truly world-class player. The Belgian international scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, as he emerged as an important player within the Chelsea team. He is valued by Jose Mourinho in excess of £ 80 million after having come to Chelsea for around £ 32 million after their Champions League in 2012. Hazard was a key player at Chelsea even in his first season, but the 23-year-old emerged as a goalscorer only last campaign.
Neville saw Hazard opened his account for this campaign in the 2-0 win over Leicester City, while he also went on to dominate in the match against Everton. It was Hazard’s brilliant run down the left flank that resulted in the own goal from Coleman. Last season, there was a lot of pressure on Hazard’s young shoulders, but he showed incredible maturity to be able to handle it without allowing his performances to drop. This season, he has a lot of scope for improving considering that the presence of Diego Costa, who came to the club for £ 32 million this summer, has reduced the goal scoring burden.
“We've always demanded more from Hazard, we always feel like there's another level for him to go up. This could be the season for Hazard, where he becomes a true world class player. Where he takes the stage every week and consistently dominates. He's (Costa) doing exactly what you thought he would, scoring ugly goals, important goals, one that put his team in front,” said Neville. Fabregas and Costa have grabbed the headlines so far this season, but Neville believes that Hazard is not far from reaching his best this season. Chelsea are top of the table with three wins out of the three matches.
