Eden Hazard
Real Madrid need their difference-makers to step up in the biggest games, and while the fixture against Galatasaray didn’t seem like a huge matchup before the campaign started, it has now become a vital one for Los Blancos. Playing in Istanbul against the reigning Super Lig champions is no joke, and Galatasaray are tough to beat defensively.
Fernando Muslera is playing at a high level in goal, Steven N’Zonzi is an excellent defensive midfielder, and the back four can’t be slept on either. That means a number of attacking players on Real’s side will need to step up to the plate on Tuesday, perhaps none more so than Eden Hazard.
For all the criticism that Hazard has received for being anonymous, it’s clear when watching Real that he’s a step above the rest when it comes to his skill, instincts, and technical quality. He draws fouls at a rapid rate and scares defensive players when leading counters. With better long-range passes and vision from the midfield, Hazard’s brilliant runs off the ball could be rewarded with more goals for the team.
Hazard bagged his first goal against Granada (and his first assist, though Luka Modric deserves all the credit for that rocket) in style with a chip. He looked like a star in that game, and he’ll need to elevate himself to his usual world-class standard on Tuesday against Galatasaray. If he does, that could be enough for Real to pick up the three points they need.