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.
After three successive wins to start the season, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis came as a reality check for Real Madrid, who are still some way off matching the quality and consistency of Barcelona.
In light of the defeat, the Real Madrid coaching staff is analysing the best way to get the most out of the current setup.
More expected from Valverde
According to Defensa Central, one of the key conclusions drawn from the Betis defeat is that Real Madrid need greater involvement from Federico Valverde with the ball.
The Uruguayan has been deployed as the pivot, largely due to the absence of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, but he is yet to make the step up in quality the team requires from that role.
While his effort and commitment are never in doubt, Mourinho and his staff, led by Sami Khedira, feel Valverde spends too much time positioned behind the opposition’s midfield line.
As a result, he fails to offer passing lanes to his teammates when they are under pressure, forcing them into hurried, aimless clearances rather than playing out cleanly from the back.
That concern has already been communicated to Valverde, who is still adapting to a position he has never truly played, making the challenge all the more difficult for him.
A collective issue to fix
However, the problem is not Valverde’s alone, with the coaching staff identifying a wider issue in the team’s structure.
Khedira has reportedly noted a certain passivity from the attackers in the videos of the match, particularly Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, when it comes to offering themselves as the ball transitions from midfield into attacking areas.
That lack of movement compounds the difficulties for the deeper midfielders.
Mourinho, for his part, remains unfazed by the departure of Rodri to Barcelona, insisting his squad has the tools to cope.
“I’m not missing Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality,” the Portuguese said, before adding that he backs his ability to improve players.
With a Champions League opener against Inter Milan on the horizon, Mourinho and his staff will be keen to iron out these issues quickly.
