Real Madrid: Regrading 2019 summer transfers in May

LW Eden Hazard

Like Luka Jovic, Eden Hazard was a new attacker for Real Madrid who didn’t get as many opportunities to shine as he would have liked. But whereas Jovic was a victim of opportunity behind Karim Benzema, Hazard was a victim of two significant injuries.

Hazard was on top of the world in late October and early November, absolutely destroying defenses with his dribbling ability, creativity, and vision. He was by far the best player on the pitch in any given game, recording at least six dribbles completed in each La Liga game from Oct. 31 to Nov. 24.

The Belgian looked like he was absolutely worth the 100 million euros Real Madrid spent for his services from Chelsea in the summer. He was hyped as the perfect fit for Real, and he certainly looked like it, linking up with the likes of Isco, Karim Benzema, and even Ferland Mendy to devastating effect.

Real clearly suffered in the aftermath of his injury to PSG, even going from 2-0 dominance to a 2-2 draw due to his injury. Hazard was then injured just a couple of games into his return in February, in spite of Real’s caution.

Hazard took time to get acclimated to his new surroundings and received unfair criticism from the media, but he eventually showed his class. And in 2020-2021, a healthy Hazard could challenge Lionel Messi as La Liga’s best player. He is as special as he was in the Premier League. But since Real spent so much for him and know his peak years will be short, they have high expectations and must manage his minutes in order to get the most out of the superstar.

Grade: B