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#10 Eden Hazard
When Eden Hazard went down with an apparent injury in a warm-up against Costa Rica, all of Belgium gasped. For good reason too, even with the emergence of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, Hazard continues to be both the heart and the main creative outlet of the Belgian side. This has been shown in the first two games of the tournament as the Belgian has contributed two goals and one assist against Panama and Tunisia. Granted, one of the goals was a penalty and the opposition hasn’t exactly been the strongest.
Nonetheless, Hazard’s raw attacking production is incredibly impressive. The Belgian averages 3 key passes per game, which is tied for 8th in the tournament. The Chelsea winger also hasn’t been shy in taking on defenders as he has averaged 4.0 dribbles per game- tied for 9th in the tournament.
Perhaps more important has been how the Belgian has attracted the attention of opposing defences, as evidenced by the fact that he has been fouled 4.5 times per game (including the penalty)- 2nd in the tournament. This attention has also allowed Dries Mertens and Kevin De Bruyne to create chances for Romelu Lukaku. Hazard has been particularly excellent on the counter, as shown by his composure for his second goal vs Tunisia and his brilliant through ball for the Lukaku’s second against Panama. This bodes well for the knockout stages when Belgium will face stronger opposition and will need to convert all the counterattacking opportunities they get. If Hazard can replicate these performances, then perhaps he will be a true contender for the Golden Ball.
