Real Madrid News
Eden Hazard confident about returning to his ‘Chelsea level’ – report
Eden Hazard’s move to Real Madrid from Chelsea has not worked out as intended at all.
Los Blancos shelled out a sum of over €100 million to secure the Belgian wing-wizard from the Premier League giants in 2019. At the top of his game in the season before his move, Hazard has struggled to hit that level in Spain.
Fitness problems and relentless injuries have hampered the former LOSC Lille starlet. As a result, Hazard has made just 65 appearances for Real Madrid despite being at the club for almost three years.
With just six goals during this period, it would be safe to say that the forward has been a major disappointment. The 31-year-old is out on the sidelines now as well, having not been involved since February 19.
Hazard underwent surgery in late March to have an osteosynthesis plate removed from his ankle that had been causing him pain and infections. Having undergone the procedure, the former Chelsea superstar is currently on his rehabilitation plan.
And SPORT reports that Hazard is in the final stretch of his recovery and could be ready to rejoin the team in training by the end of this month. However, he might have to wait until May 11 to return to action when Real Madrid face Levante in La Liga.
The report further adds that despite his ordeals, Hazard is confident that he can hit the heights of his Chelsea days for the Spanish capital club and bounce back strongly before the season ends.
Real Madrid have plenty of games remaining in the season with them being involved in the UEFA Champions League. So, if they progress in the tournament, Ancelotti would likely decide to rotate for the La Liga matches, considering that they are close to winning the title.
So, Hazard could get some regular game-time in the backend of the season and he can stand to get a proper run-out and make a solid impression. By doing so, the Belgian could save his career at the Santiago Bernabeu, given as he still has two years on his contract.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s academy breakout star was close to signing for Atletico in the past – report
Nico Paz has burst onto the scene at Real Madrid after his recent heroics. The youngster was long hyped as Castilla’s brightest upcoming star, and his performances in recent games prove why.
Paz was the hero when Los Blancos took on Napoli earlier this week. Coming off the bench, he netted Real Madrid’s winning goal with six minutes left on the clock, thus scoring his first-ever goal with the first team.
Turning the clock back
As revealed in a recent update by AS, Paz’s arrival at Real Madrid was by no means a simple operation. It was made possible only through rigorous scanning and profiling done by the clubs scouts in Tenerife.
The youngster, at the time, was the crown jewel of the youth team in Tenerife. He was only 11 years old when the administration established contact with his father, back in April 2016.
It was only then that Real Madrid was made aware of Atletico Madrid’s strong interest in signing the player.
Los Rojiblancos had already made an important offer, and it was thus only Real Madrid’s timely intervention and negotiation that secured Paz’s signing.
An interesting clause
Paz’s entourage were naturally thrilled by the interest from Real Madrid and possible transfer. However, they had one clause that they insisted be met.
The Argentine ace’s entourage insisted that, as opposed to staying in the club facilities, Paz would reside with his family who would move to Madrid with the player. They value the family nucleus dearly and wished to keep the player in his comfort zone outside of training.
Needless to say, the green light soon arrived and Real Madrid won the race of Atletico Madrid. The rest, as they say, is history.
