Eden Hazard is someone who has had to face constant criticism in recent years. Once one of the best players on the planet, he now finds himself as arguably the last choice winger in Carlo Ancelotti’s side and it is safe to say that his dream move to Real Madrid has turned into a nightmare.
Hazard has the chance to put that behind him for a month though, as he aims to guide the Belgium national team to World Cup glory. This is very much the last chance of their ‘Golden Generation’, who despite having some of the best players on the planet for close to a decade, have not been able to deliver any silverware.
Yet, Hazard continues to face criticism even while away at the World Cup, with many questioning his place in the Belgian starting XI as well as the decision to let him continue on as the captain of the side.
Hazard seems to have gotten used to all the criticism though and is only focused on his game. As reported Mundo Deportivo, the Belgian captain said:
"“When I started in Belgium I didn’t do very well either. Criticism doesn’t bother me, people talk and it’s part of football. I focus on the pitch. There will always be criticism. What I do is that I try to focus on what I do on the field to help my team and I will always give everything.”"
Hazard responds to criticism as he looks to put Real Madrid nightmare behind him by guiding Belgium to World Cup glory
It is hard not to feel bad about how things have gone for Hazard since he has joined Real Madrid. It is pretty clear what it means to him to wear the Royal White jersey.
But one injury after another over the past three and a half years have meant that he has lost his place in the team.
Now, he finds himself on the periphery of the squad and is expected to be on his way out of Real Madrid in the near future, if they manage to find him a new club.
That’s not how he would have expected his Real Madrid career to go, when they shattered their transfer record to sign him from Chelsea in the summer of 2019.