Real Madrid News
Chelsea legend ‘surprised’ by Hazard’s struggles at Real Madrid: “Expected more from him”
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has said that he is really surprised by Eden Hazard’s struggles since joining Real Madrid after a breathtaking tenure with the Blues.
Hazard, 31, joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 and despite playing three and a half seasons with the team, he has managed just 68 appearances across all competitions while scoring a mere seven goals.
Throughout his Real Madrid tenure, the winger has struggled with injuries to an extent that he has already missed 11 games in 2022 alone.
Last season, although he made 23 appearances across all competitions, he managed to score a solitary goal. It must be noted that Hazard’s best return for Real Madrid has been a tally of three goals that he scored during the 2020/21 season.
Reacting to his poor run of form, Zola, while speaking to MARCA, pointed out that he expected a lot from the Belgian given that he is one of the ‘most talented players in the world’.
“I am very surprised by Hazard,” said the former Chelsea and Italy footballer.
“Eden is one of the most talented players in the world and to see him suffer is something that is amazing to me. He has probably had some physical problems that have not allowed him to perform, but I expected more from him,” he added.
To say Hazard was a revelation for Chelsea would be a sheer understatement. Arriving at Stamford Bring ahead of the 2012-13 season, the wing-wizard scored a total of 110 goals in all competitions for the Blues.
And this is exactly why Real decided to splash over €100 million on the player. Before the start of the ongoing season, Hazard promised the fans that they would see the best of him this campaign, but as it turns out, he has started a solitary La Liga game for the team so far.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
