Eden Hazard

[Jase 43,479]

1 hour ago, El P. said:

I agree with this, but CR and Hazard are different persons. Ronaldo went to Real in the first place for glory, for glamour. Eden Hazard is not a prick like CR.

You are right but let's not kid ourselves here, Real Madrid are like the be-all and end-all for players. They will always get attracted to their prestige, history, success and that (unexplainable) lure.

1 hour ago, Pizy said:

True, it's not the only reason he'll want out. But surely ambition in the market will play a big role. He knows that he'll always be surrounded by talent that's on his level and that Real Madrid will always attract world class players. He won't have that burden of having to carry a whole team there and maybe that's what he wants.

Conversely, maybe being the main man here and him having a young, settled family in London will work in our favor. I hope so.

Think Stats has already pretty much reiterated my point and I know what you're saying in the last sentence there but Courtois' family is in Spain while he's playing in London.

1 hour ago, Mufassir08 said:

Yup but lets not pretend that Lamps, JT and Drogs never had their little periods of flirtations with other clubs. Sure Eden has been linked with Real since the birth of Jesus but it does not mean Eden is not emotionally attached to this club or the fans and the fact that Real is literally the only club he would be willing to listen to speaks volumes about his commitment especially given the fact that he idolizes Zidane, a Real Madrid legend. If he does leave, it'll be such a pity because he genuinely is en route to become a bonafide legend of the club in the same breath as the likes of Drogba, JT and Lamps.  

Can't remember much about Drogba and correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Terry and Lampard only flirted with other clubs just so they can get new contract? Hardly the most honorable act and IIRC, the only time Lampard genuinely wanted to leave was after his mom passed away in 2008. Wanted to join Mourinho at Inter but was persuaded to stay by his dad.

[OneMoSalah 8,776]

End of the day if he goes, he goes. Top class player but we’ve lost big players before. Fortunately there are always going to be very good attacking players, it’s just about signing them. 

[Jase 43,479]

3 minutes ago, Mufassir08 said:

Hazard has poor finishing, his flicks and tricks barely come off, has poor movement and his lack of vision drives me crazy not to mention his hand in getting Jose the sack by turning the whole squad against the poor bloke and basically taking that year off. You wouldn't want that at Madrid, right Perez? Fortunately there is a Lewandowski lite by the name of Harry Kane over at north London you might want to take a look at. He is big, strong, technically brilliant, bullies defenders at will and scores hattricks for breakfast. There is your shiny new toy for next summer to satisfy your galactico fetish Mr Perez 

Can't remember who said it but is Perez actually interested in getting Hazard? Can't remember any genuine approach from Real for Hazard in previous years and don't think Perez has spoken anything about him in the public? Was spending more time trying to court Neymar IIRC.

[Mufassir08 2,400]

4 minutes ago, Jason said:

Can't remember much about Drogba and correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Terry and Lampard only flirted with other clubs just so they can get new contract? Hardly the most honorable act and IIRC, the only time Lampard genuinely wanted to leave was after his mom passed away in 2008. Wanted to join Mourinho at Inter but was persuaded to stay by his dad.

Drogs was unsettled for a brief period of time after the departure of Jose and particularly when he was behind Anelka in the pecking order under the reign of big Phil and like you said Lamps was also tempted to join Jose at Inter while Terry obviously had that brief little period with City just before he renewed his contract at Chelsea. Who knows in 10 years time we may also look at this little episode as a negotiation tactic by Eden and his father to get a fatter paycheck? (fingers crossed) 

[Pizy 18,368]

Like others have said, I'd be absolutely devastated to see him go but I wouldn't begrudge him or be angry with him. It always just seems lame as hell when another world class player jumps ship and joins Real or Barca who are already stacked with other world class players. Can't blame them , of course, but it's like watching a billionaire add more billions to his fortune. To watch the likes of Hazard and Coutinho go from being superstar main men who have teams built around them is awesome. Them going to Madrid/Barca and just being another cog in the machine is lame.

It's crazy that we could legitimately lose our best player, our world class keeper, and our world class manager's future is up in the air as well. For a number of reasons this could be our most important summer ever.

[Mufassir08 2,400]

7 minutes ago, Jason said:

Can't remember who said it but is Perez actually interested in getting Hazard? Can't remember any genuine approach from Real for Hazard in previous years and don't think Perez has spoken anything about him in the public? Was spending more time trying to court Neymar IIRC.

Yeah Perez has not mentioned Hazard publicly I think but we all know Zidane has a hard on over Eden and Zidane even if he gets the sack will remain an influential figure at Real I think.

[OneMoSalah 8,776]

5 minutes ago, Jason said:

Can't remember who said it but is Perez actually interested in getting Hazard? Can't remember any genuine approach from Real for Hazard in previous years and don't think Perez has spoken anything about him in the public? Was spending more time trying to court Neymar IIRC.

I’m sure Real’s interest is more Zidane driven than Perez.

Real would more than likely rather Neymar as he is better and much more marketable, like Ronaldo but if they can’t and think Hazard is a attainable alternative they’d go for him, even if Zidanes not there. 

[Jase 43,479]

6 minutes ago, OneMoSalah said:

I’m sure Real’s interest is more Zidane driven than Perez.

Real would more than likely rather Neymar as he is better and much more marketable, like Ronaldo but if they can’t and think Hazard is a attainable alternative they’d go for him, even if Zidanes not there. 

If they do get Hazard, you wonder what that will mean for Isco or Asensio, especially if Bale somehow still remains.

[Pizy 18,368]

3 minutes ago, Jason said:

If they do get Hazard, you wonder what that will mean for Isco or Asensio, especially if Bale somehow still remains.

Bale finally and inevitably sold to United where he's always been linked and Hazard to Madrid. Chelsea simultaneously strengthening two clubs massively whilst weakening ourselves dramatically. That's a depressing thought for you!

[Jase 43,479]

4 minutes ago, Pizy said:

Bale finally and inevitably sold to United where he's always been linked and Hazard to Madrid. Chelsea simultaneously strengthening two clubs massively whilst weakening ourselves dramatically. That's a depressing thought for you!

[It's too big 625]

I think people need to get real. You have posters talking about us needing to sign elite level players to accompany Hazard LOL, I swear people live in dream land and not the real world. I would like to take a toke on whatever you're smoking. Comparing our back up/squad players to world class first team attackers is laughable. How many clubs, big ones at that, have elite level talent all over the field? Please tell me. PSG and City are the anomaly, not the norm and even PSG. Real Madrid have Ronaldo and who else? Bale is a crock and not elite any longer, Benzema is shot, who else? Barcelona have Messi and Suarez, and are bringing in Dembele only because they sold Neymar for 200m.

Man Utd don't have elite players all over the field and even Bayern's once elite players are aging and diminishing in ability and even they don't spend like crazy. Some fans expect us to go out and spend 100m on one player, and another 80m on another player, and 100m on another etc, it just doesn't work like that. No matter how many times people are educated on a club's finances, they still can't get it through their heads that almost zero clubs spend like that without selling big. Unless a club uncovers a gem from their youth academy or in the market for cheap/free, it's impossible to spend those numbers. This is not Fifa, and the sooner people realise that the better. Although I wouldn't hold my breath on that smh. 

[Pizy 18,368]

Honestly wonder what we'd do in terms of replacements. Do we go crazy and buy a superstar ourselves? Unfortunately, I think it's far more likely that we go out and buy a couple of talented up and comers like Zaha and Leon Bailey. If so it'll be a long while before we win the title or compete in the CL again.

Surely Barca can't afford both Coutinho and Griezmann? Griezmann would be my top choice to replace Eden. Playing just behind or next to Morata and I don't think our level would drop too much. Assuming we get at least £150m for Hazard if he goes (which we better do) that'll easily pay for Griezmann with money to spare.

[Unionjack 7,531]

Look we knew the day would come sooner or later. But I was always under the impression he wanted to play for ZZ and with him signing tat new contract it was going to be sooner rather than later. And with Real losing to Barca you can just imagine the conversations he had with Perez after it.

But I wondered IF there was any truth about CR vetoing Eden going after his Messi statement.

What we have to make sure is we get a fuckin good deal for him and spunk the lot on players - maybe swapsies?

[The Skipper 20,593]

8 hours ago, Robguima said:

Finally, he needs to show up at the international stage. It’s usually KDB pulling the strings and Eden pretty subdued in WC/important games.

Nope. It's the other way around. Hazard is much better than KDB for Belgium.

[The Skipper 20,593]

3 hours ago, It's too big said:

 

Two contrasting statements there. One says he sees himself at Real, the other says he's open to options and is waiting to extend contract. Hmm, this is why twitter is unreliable. 

Eh? That has nothing to do with Twitter: that's just two different reporters having a different take on something said. Could have done the exact same thing on TV or in an article for example.

[The Skipper 20,593]

23 minutes ago, It's too big said:

I think people need to get real. You have posters talking about us needing to sign elite level players to accompany Hazard LOL, I swear people live in dream land and not the real world. I would like to take a toke on whatever you're smoking. Comparing our back up/squad players to world class first team attackers is laughable. How many clubs, big ones at that, have elite level talent all over the field? Please tell me. PSG and City are the anomaly, not the norm and even PSG. Real Madrid have Ronaldo and who else? Bale is a crock and not elite any longer, Benzema is shot, who else? Barcelona have Messi and Suarez, and are bringing in Dembele only because they sold Neymar for 200m.

Man Utd don't have elite players all over the field and even Bayern's once elite players are aging and diminishing in ability and even they don't spend like crazy. Some fans expect us to go out and spend 100m on one player, and another 80m on another player, and 100m on another etc, it just doesn't work like that. No matter how many times people are educated on a club's finances, they still can't get it through their heads that almost zero clubs spend like that without selling big. Unless a club uncovers a gem from their youth academy or in the market for cheap/free, it's impossible to spend those numbers. This is not Fifa, and the sooner people realise that the better. Although I wouldn't hold my breath on that smh. 

I don't think anyone is saying we should have 11 world class players on the pitch, people are saying we should get in a few more elite players to compliment Hazard. Asking for an improvement on the likes of Alonso, Willian, Zappacosta etc. is not the same as people thinking football is FIFA. 

We've barely spent anything for years now so your financial argument of us not being able to afford a big signing here or there doesn't hold much weight.

[Mufassir08 2,400]

25 minutes ago, Pizy said:

Honestly wonder what we'd do in terms of replacements. Do we go crazy and buy a superstar ourselves? Unfortunately, I think it's far more likely that we go out and buy a couple of talented up and comers like Zaha and Leon Bailey. If so it'll be a long while before we win the title or compete in the CL again.

Surely Barca can't afford both Coutinho and Griezmann? Griezmann would be my top choice to replace Eden. Playing just behind or next to Morata and I don't think our level would drop too much. Assuming we get at least £150m for Hazard if he goes (which we better do) that'll easily pay for Griezmann with money to spare.

But Antoine is known for his predatory movement, link up play and finishing ability. He is not someone who will get on the ball and protect it from multiple players or someone who can go past 2-3 players in one go. Essentially he is a different kind of attacker to Eden and don't think he alone will be able to fill the Eden sized gap in our attack.

[It's too big 625]

38 minutes ago, The Skipper said:

I don't think anyone is saying we should have 11 world class players on the pitch, people are saying we should get in a few more elite players to compliment Hazard. Asking for an improvement on the likes of Alonso, Willian, Zappacosta etc. is not the same as people thinking football is FIFA. 

We've barely spent anything for years now so your financial argument of us not being able to afford a big signing here or there doesn't hold much weight.

I just don't see us spending a €100m or more on one player, let alone two or three. I don't know the minutiae of our finances, but It doesn't seem likely. I think it's also quite difficult to actually acquire so called "elite" players because most of them are playing for very good clubs and they're very important to those clubs. It's fine to say get in this player or that player, and they have to be world class, but it's easy said than done. On the flipside, if a club wants to sign one of our best players we're not going to let go unless the player desperately wants to leave or a club offers eye watering money for them. That's why I think people need to be more realistic in their expectations. Very few clubs in this country, or even across Europe have world class players in various positions. We certainly aren't the first choice for the elite of the elite either, so our choices will be limited there.