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Eden Hazard has been in great form in the Premier League lately having netted six times in fifteen appearances, including two wonderful goals against Sunderland last week. In Europe however, he has not been quite as impressive, failing to score in six games last season and just once this season.
Eden Hazard Champions League Chances Created
Part of the problem has been that Hazard has been more shot shy in Europe, with just three efforts (one per game). Compared to the fact he attempts 2.1 shots per game in the Premier League. One reason for this is that he has been left out of the squad recently, for example against Schalke at home, having failed to get back to London on time. The game prior to that, away at Schalke, he was excellent. In this tie, whilst he didn’t create any chances, he scored a great goal and was also brilliant on the ball. Hazard completed 95% of his passes and completed three successful take-ons. While against Basel in both ties though he was ineffective (albeit he did come on late as a sub in the last tie).
In Europe his potential importance cannot be overstated. With his pace and ability to run on the ball, he could be crucial to Jose Mourinho’s counter-attacking tactics that are likely to be implemented against superior sides that Chelsea will come across in the latter stages of the tournament.
Conclusion
Having come to Chelsea with such a huge transfer fee and after such a fanfare Eden Hazard has began to live up to the hype in the Premier League. In Europe’s premier tournament though, he has not hit the same levels for the club. Netting just once in nine appearances in the Champions League for Chelsea, a poor return for a player of his quality. Against Steaua he could be a key player though, with his recent form domestically having been excellent. If Chelsea do want to make headway in this competition, the form of Hazard will be central to this.
