Real Madrid News
Hazard shuts down criticism over his starting spot: “I haven’t become useless”
Eden Hazard’s stocks have dropped significantly over the last two years, along with his game-time, contributions, and market value.
The Belgian winger currently almost exclusively warms the bench for Real Madrid, behind Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, and Marco Asensio in the pecking order.
Despite playing only three games in the league this season, Hazard has been called up to the Belgian national team for the World Cup.
There have been doubts over his starting place in the team, both for club and country, but the Belgian captain shrugged those off by citing his glittering career.
“If we look at the last two years, I don’t deserve to play. But in view of the last 15 years, I deserve it. I haven’t become useless in the last two years,” he said.
Hazard also added, “I don’t pay attention to criticism. I don’t doubt myself, ever. I know what I can contribute.”
Belgium have been the favourites for a fair few international tournaments in a row now, given their ‘golden generation’. However, the best they have managed so far is a third-placed finish in the 2018 World Cup.
Hazard has been at the heart of the team, and was in contention of the Golden Ball award at the 2018 tournament. However, he suggested that the 2022 version could be his last.
“It’s possible that this World Cup will be my last big tournament. I don’t project myself yet, but it’s possible.”
Hazard also talked about his Real Madrid future, with reports claiming that Los Blancos want to sell the player ‘desperately’.
“I don’t want to leave Madrid. Maybe my situation will change after the World Cup,” Hazard claimed. “I want to play, but it’s the manager who makes his choices. I accept, but I want to show him that I deserve to play more. When you don’t play, it’s difficult.”
Source: Belgian Red Devils
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.
