Eden Hazard has shared his frustration with how modern football is judged, saying too much attention is placed on goals and assists while creativity and entertainment are often ignored.
The former Belgium and Chelsea star explained that he values exciting fans more than simply producing statistics.
According to Hazard, some players today receive huge praise despite doing very little with the ball apart from keeping possession and helping their teams win matches.
Hazard said many modern stars “take three touches and people say wow,” but argued that they do not truly excite football fans outside of their own supporters. Although he did not mention any player by name.
The retired winger pointed to Belgium’s famous victory over Brazil at the 2018 FIFA World Cup as the perfect example of the type of player he always wanted to be.
In that match, Belgium defeated Brazil 2-1 in the quarter-finals in Kazan, Russia, to reach the semi-finals of the tournament for only the second time in their history.
Hazard did not score or register an assist in the game, but his performance was widely praised. He constantly troubled Brazil’s defenders with his dribbling, movement, and ball control throughout the match.
Reports after the game described him as one of the best players on the pitch as Belgium eliminated the five-time world champions.
The Belgian captain later revealed that the Brazil match remained one of the highlights of his international career.
During his peak years, Hazard was admired for his flair, dribbling ability, and unpredictable style of play, qualities that made him one of the most exciting footballers of his generation.
