At 24, Eden Hazard has the world at his feet; both his manager and the media cannot say enough good things about him. And when Chelsea lift the Premier League trophy on May 24th Blues supporters will know that they couldn’t have done it without the tireless work and exceptional talent of the young Belgian.

Since joining Chelsea from Lille in 2012 Hazard has been an integral part of their recent success, winning the Europa League in his inaugural season. Described as a pacey and technically gifted forward Hazard is Jose Mourinho’s most valuable player.

So far this campaign Hazard has made 43 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 16 times in all competitions, and has the distinction of having started every league game this season.

Chelsea are by no means a one-man team. They have many talented players with their squad this season showing few flaws, but Hazard is of a higher quality than most. Take Oscar. Oscar joined the Blues in the same window as Hazard and both play as attacking-midfielders/wingers but whereas Hazard has greatly improved his game during his three years at the club, Oscar has not reached the same heights scoring only seven league goals from 37 appearances this season. He is not the game changer that the Belgian is. It is true that Mourinho continues to regularly start the Brazilian though the difference in quality between the two young men is clear. You’d choose Hazard over Oscar any day of the week.

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Mourinho has on numerous occasions admitted his admiration for Hazard stating that he has the ability to reach the technical highs of top footballers like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who are considered two of the world’s best. Hazard has also had the privilege of being named in the PFA Premier League Teams of the Year for 2013 and 2014 and he looks set to feature once again this year. Fortunately for the Portuguese manager Hazard recently signed a five-and-a-half-year contract extension that will see him at Stamford Bridge until 2020.

Jose Mourinho has spoken out about protecting Eden from the highly aggressive football played by some teams. Such is his danger particularly in the final third that during games Hazard is typically targeted by defenders who believe that if they stop him then they will cripple Chelsea’s attack.

According to the Telegraph statistics prove that Hazard is the most fouled player in the Premier League and yet receives very few fouls in return for his troubles. But that is the price he must pay it seems. As long as Hazard is on the pitch the opposition will continue to try anything they can to stop him.

Thanks to Hazard and other consistent squad members Chelsea have not relinquished the top spot for the entirety of the campaign. Lack of goals at times from main striker Diego Costa combined with some defensive failures resulted in Chelsea opening up large points gaps only then to find the chasing pack hot on their heels, but always reliable Hazard has maintained his envy inducing form.

As we come to the end of March, Chelsea are comfortably six points ahead of nearest rivals Manchester City while also having a game in hand and when Hazard returns from the international break he will be guaranteed to start for Chelsea. That is how important he is for the team. Chelsea deserve to win the title and if Hazard does honour his contract then the Blues may just have their own Messi or Ronaldo to build a team around and who should help keep them in contention for numerous trophies for many years to come.

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Brazil vs Chile

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