Fansided

The best 30 players at the World Cup

By James Dudko

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 30
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 9: Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Huddersfield at Stamford Bridge on May 9, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Corbis via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 9: Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Huddersfield at Stamford Bridge on May 9, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Corbis via Getty Images) /

24. Eden Hazard, winger, Belgium

Like Costa, Hazard hasn’t been in the best of form this season. But Belgium’s classy No. 10 is still more than capable of dominating at this level.

A true wing wizard, Hazard’s pace, trickery and close control can baffle any defense. He’s a significant goal threat, as well as a creative talisman always capable of making the difference in the final third.

Hazard at his best can enliven any game thanks to his flair. His range of clever touches and back-heels add obvious flourishes to attacking moves.

It will be interesting to see how Belgium coach Roberto Martinez takes advantage of Hazard’s versatility. The player showed an aptitude for thriving in central areas for Chelsea this season, something a tactician as daring and progressive as Martinez should take advantage of.

Playing Hazard closer to Manchester United target man Romelu Lukaku can be the key to helping a gifted, but so-far unfulfilled generation of players finally reach their potential on the international stage.

Home/World Cup