Belgium versus Wales: Eden Hazard or Gareth Bale to star?

Paper talk this week floated the notion that Real Madrid could be prepared to sell Gareth Bale to Manchester United if they can secure the signing of Eden Hazard. As Belgium prepare to host Wales in a European Qualifier on Sunday, it has fuelled the debate about the two men.

Hazard himself suggested that he was not among the best five players in the world right now. “I'm not a top-five player yet,” he said last month. “Who’s better than me? The two extra-terrestrials, Ronaldo and Messi, Ibrahimovic, Ribery and Robben. They make the difference almost every game.”

Humble remarks although the implication that Bale is not among those of such elevated status might not be lost on the Welshman ahead of his trip to Brussels. Perhaps the clash between the two teams will offer a chance to decide.

While Hazard took the victory the last time the men faced each other for their countries, Bale has the medal they all crave. While Bale has the superior goalscoring record of late, Hazard is the one with time on his side. Who is the best? Here are some facts and opinions to help you decide…

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According to his manager Jose Mourinho, Hazard has improved tactically and mentally during his time at Chelsea to build on his already world-class flair and dribbling skills. He was the key figure at Stamford Bridge last season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions. This year he has turned provider following the arrival of Diego Costa and his 57 successful dribbles in the Premier League mark him as the stand-out entertainer in England – no other player has completed more than 36 of them.

Replacing the more subtle skills of Mesut Ozil at the Bernabeu, Bale added further urgency to the Real Madrid attack last season and helped make them a more dynamic proposition. His recent injury problems led some in the Spanish capital to suggest Isco should be retained ahead of him, but it’s worth remembering Bale remains among the top 10 goalscorers in La Liga in 2014/15 after netting 22 times for the club in his debut season.

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National heroes

Since making his international debut as a 17 year old in 2008, Hazard has amassed 50 caps for Belgium and is still only 23 years of age. He scored two times for his country en route to qualifying for last summer’s World Cup in Brazil but despite being voted man of the match against Russia he failed to truly find his best form at the tournament. Even so, Belgium’s quarter-final finish was their best since 1986 and the second best in the country’s history.

Bale has made almost 50 appearances for Wales himself and the 25-year-old would no doubt relish the opportunity to take the team to their first major tournament in over half a century. His tally of 14 international goals is more than double that of Hazard and included four in World Cup qualifying. He’s begun the European Qualifiers in similar form, netting two crucial goals to save Wales from embarrassment on an artificial pitch away to Andorra.

Trophy cabinets

Hazard tasted success early in his career thanks to his pivotal role in the rise of Rudi Garcia’s Lille team. Turning 20 midway through 2010/11, the winger won the double that season – the first time the club had got its hands on either trophy in 56 years. A Europa League triumph followed in his debut season at Chelsea, although Hazard failed to win anything in his first campaign under Mourinho. The signs are that the wait is highly unlikely to extend beyond the end of this season.

Bale did not win a senior trophy with South