Friday 1 July 2016 10:03, UK
Eden Hazard's brilliant performance for Belgium against Hungary highlighted his return to form. Martin Laurence of WhoScored.com examines Hazard's efforts so far ahead of a quarter-final clash with Wales...
Though Belgium romped to a 4-0 victory over Hungary on Sunday night - the largest winning margin of a tournament epitomised by narrow, late victories - it somewhat flattered Marc Wilmots' side.
Indeed, while the Belgians peppered the goal of Gabor Kiraly - forced into seven of a tournament high of 10 saves in a single game before the half-time whistle - there was a sense Belgium could let their narrow advantage slip. Bernd Storck's men were creating chances to get themselves on level terms but ultimately couldn't find a way past Thibaut Courtois.
It took a somewhat bizarre goal from substitute Michy Batshuayi with his first touch of the game to really put the favourites in the driving seat. The goal was put on a plate for the youngster by Eden Hazard. Hungary completely fell asleep having half-cleared a corner and though the winger's ball down the line was intended for a team-mate, it caught the defence unawares as the Chelsea man raced onto his own pass to centre for the unmarked Marseille striker to tap home.
A minute later, the interim captain capped a sensational performance to seal the tie in Belgium's favour, cutting inside from the left past two defenders before firing expertly into the bottom corner. Hazard's work was done, withdrawn two minutes later to a standing ovation.
It was a reception that he scarcely enjoyed during a torrid season at Chelsea having failed to live up to expectations set from a scintillating 2014/15 campaign. This, however, was Hazard back to his best, admittedly in a game that played to his strengths as Hungary were forced to attack having fallen behind to an early Toby Alderweireld header.
The 25-year old tormented opposing full-back Adam Lang all game long, completing 12 dribbles - at least four more than any other player has managed in a game at Euro 2016 this summer. With three shots and four key passes to boot, Hazard earned the first perfect 10 rating from WhoScored.com of the tournament.
For the sake of the national side, Belgium's fans will hope that Hazard hasn't peaked too early, but the signs are very encouraging from their skipper. Indeed, having been well fancied ahead of the tournament, entering it as the 'best team' according to FIFA's rankings, the Red Devils got off to a slow start but are gaining pace. Hazard, however, is one man who can't be accused of not posing a threat in their opening defeat to Italy.
Belgium were disappointing against the Azzurri, but did have chances to get back in the game before Graziano Pelle sealed victory for Antonio Conte's men in injury time. The incoming Chelsea boss will have been suitably impressed from the sidelines by Hazard's performance, earning the highest WhoScored.com rating of any Belgium player (7.27) having had two shots, created three chances and completed five dribbles. He's gone from strength-to-strength since.
In fact, Hazard has picked up an assist in each of his three appearances thereafter - tied with compatriot Kevin De Bruyne atop said chart at the Euros this summer - and now ranks third in the overall player ratings with a score of 8.22 across four outings thus far.
His form will likely both frustrate and delight Chelsea fans in equal measure, who have seen all this before from their star man but were starved of his true potential last season. He's already registered the same number of assists in four Euro 2016 matches as he managed in 31 Premier League appearances, while his figures for shots (2.3), key passes (3.8) and dribbles (5.5) per game have all but doubled.
In short, his decision making has just been far better, picking his moments when to run at players and when to play that killer pass. He's been dispossessed just twice (0.5 per game down from 1.5 in the league) and lost possession due to an unsuccessful touch twice thus far (0.5 down from 1.7).
When thinking about how he will be utilised should he stay at Chelsea under Conte, it would be wrong to suggest that Hazard will struggle to fit into the Italian's system. While the former Juve boss has had great success with a back three, with the onus on wing-backs providing the width, it would be foolish to suggest that Conte won't show tactical flexibility.
Chelsea future
None of Chelsea's players are familiar with that system and with the coach's time with the squad getting ever shorter the longer that Italy stay in the Euros, attempting any wholesale changes in terms of formation would be a risk, initially at least.
Hazard certainly wouldn't suit a role that requires him to be too strict to his position but if he is receptive to Conte's demands, where reports suggested he wasn't to Mourinho's, there is a chance the Belgian could really fulfil his unquestionable potential.
For the time being, however, there is a chance that Hazard could establish himself as the star player of this tournament, going some way to restoring a reputation that was tarnished last season. Where so many big names have flattered to deceive, the Chelsea man has stepped up to the added responsibility of wearing the armband for Belgium.
He will now face another of the newly established front runners for the player of the tournament award in the quarter-finals. As Belgium prepare to face Wales, Hazard versus Gareth Bale could have a real bearing on which player emerges as the best in show this summer. Should the former lead his side past Wales his odds will surely fall, and what a turnaround it would be after a bitterly disappointing campaign at club level.
