Clash of the Titans: Shinji Kagawa vs Eden Hazard

EPL had been a two horse race between Manchester United and Chelsea previously before the blue moon rose in the city of Manchester. So this article is basically a preview of the battle between the two stars that have been signed by the two rivals, Shinji Kagawa for Manchester United and Eden Hazard for Chelsea

This year the dealings in the transfer market have been a bit strange with the likes of Arsene Wenger splashing out the cash before losing any of his star players, Man City are sitting tight with what they have, although being linked with every other superstar there is across the world, Man Utd getting what they want, and Chelsea buying young stars.

At the end of last season, the scouts packed their bags and set off on their journey in search of would be future stars. Same was the case this season. Eden Hazard was the pick of the transfer targets. He was wanted by the top four clubs in the EPL if rumours are to be believed, whereas his counterpart Shinji Kagawa was primarily only wanted by Manchester United that too after losing on Hazard to Chelsea. Was this a blessing in disguise? Only time will tell as United got more or less a player with the same abilities for nearly half the price. But what is the harm in predicting what it would be like in May 2013 and who will have the last laugh.

Eden Hazard – PROS

1. An amazing player with skill and flair, who suits the CHELSEA style of play. He could be dangerous when paired with Torres and backed by MATA and Lampard in the midfield.
2. A proven Goal scorer.
3. Has Champions League experience.
4. With his pace he can easily slip past the majority of the defenders and will be a menacing player to mark by even the best of defenders.
5. Not only does he scores goals but also comes up with an assist every now and then, making him much needed player to plug a few holes at Chelsea.

Eden Hazard- CONS

1. With all that we have seen in the recent transfer saga, it is clear that Hazard is more of a self player and not a team player. A player with selfishness and ego is the least of what Chelsea needs.
2. Having played most of his senior career at Lille , he is yet to be tested against quality defenders like Vidic, Lescott, Kompany,Ferdinand etc
3. With the hefty price tag, there is bound to be pressure on him to deliver and we already know what happens when you have such pressure (TORRES anyone?)
4. Also with BPL being more physical he will have to adapt quickly to the wear and tear of the game played in England and that will also hinder natural free flowing game.
5. With Roberto di Matteo being the manager, he will not have the benefit of gaining much knowledge from his manager unlike Kagawa.

Shinji Kagawa- PROS

1. He is among the best playmakers in his age and also fits like a jigsaw piece in the final third, which Manchester United sorely lacked last season.
2. Will be playing under Sir Alex Ferguson, and we all know under Ferguson even the ordinary shine and become future stars.
3. Has plenty of experience playing against quality teams like Bayern Munich, Schalke, and also scoring against them. After a stint in the Bundesliga, he has got what it takes to be a hit in the premier league as the style of play is more or less similar to the BPL.
4. A proven goal scorer and also racks up assists, and has high ratio of goals per game for a midfield player, which will be improved by playing alongside Rooney, Nani and Young.
5. With a comparatively low price tag on his head he will be under much less pressure.
6. A selfless player and a team player.
7. A bit more matured as a player than Hazard.

Shinji Kagawa-CONS

1. With his small physique he is bound to struggle by the likes of Stoke City, Newcastle United and other teams.
2. Will have to face competition in the midfield from the likes of Anderson and Cleverly, and that can add to the pressure to deliver.
3. With Manchester United you are under always under the microscope.