It’s time for Eden Hazard to move on from Chelsea

Eden Hazard’s loyalty to Chelsea is admirable, but it’s time for him to move on if he hopes to establish himself as one of the world’s very best.

It’s easy to think the best players all have the same goals and aspirations in their careers. However, that’s rarely the case, and Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard is a great example.

For Hazard, consistently playing in the Champions League against the best clubs and players isn’t one of his priorities.

At least that’s how it appears, as the Chelsea talisman has made headlines recently because he’s strongly considering sticking around Stamford Bridge for another season. Despite the turmoil and drama at Chelsea that led to an underwhelming fifth-place finish in the Premier League and a round of 16 exit from the Champions League in 2017-18, Hazard still sounds set on coming back after the World Cup this summer.

In an article in the Guardian, Hazard said he’s waiting to sign a new contract, with his current one expiring in 2020, until Chelsea land some high-quality transfers. With his sights set on winning his third Premier League title, Hazard sounds happy and settled in England, which could be to his detriment.

Hazard, a Belgian international with 83 caps and 21 goals for his country, is consistently considered one of the best talents in world soccer. Linked with a transfer to Real Madrid for a few years running, he hasn’t had to challenge his comfort level recently and his form has seemed to suffer.

After scoring 15 goals and assisting five more in 36 matches during Chelsea’s Premier League title run last season, his production dropped off a bit in this campaign. In 34 appearances, he scored 12 goals and assisted four, per WhoScored. 

Now, those aren’t stats to be ashamed of, especially considering the Blues were back playing in Champions League this season. But as Chelsea dropped from first to fifth, Hazard didn’t seem to play with the same sort of consistency he did last season.

This is why a change of scenery could benefit one of the best creative players in the game. Real Madrid are likely to overhaul their squad this summer, and they are one of few clubs Hazard could move to to truly establish himself among the world’s very best.

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Having failed to qualify for the Champions League for the second time in three years, Chelsea are in a precarious position. With manager Antonio Conte constantly under criticism, and club owner Roman Abramovich always pulling the strings, there are a few reasons for Hazard to head out of town.

Losing Hazard would leave Chelsea in a difficult position, for striker Alvaro Morata is also linked with a possible departure and return to his former club, Juventus. But for Hazard, a player in his prime and capable of starring for a Champions League contender, there may not be a better time to make a move.