The man at the centre of Belgium's golden generation. A former protégé who has fulfilled the expectations, Hazard is hungry to add to his reputation as one of the world's leading young players.

Why he's so special

For a player of relatively tender years (he turned 23 in January) Hazard is the complete package as an attacking midfielder. He is quick, possesses exceptional close control, vision and finishing skills. Also versatile enough to attack from wide positions.

Famous moment

Winning the PFA Young Player of the Year Award for his Chelsea performances during the 2013/14 season.

He said it

"I feel 99 per cent Belgian and one per cent French, but the idea of French citizenship has never crossed my mind" — Hazard on the idea of playing internationally for France after living & working in the country for seven years.

What they're saying about him

"He has absolutely everything…he has the world at his feet….and he's scaring the life out of people" - Chelsea and England veteran Frank Lampard on Hazard's ability 

Strengths

  • Pace, close control, off the ball movement and goal scoring. Jose Mourinho recently described Hazard as the best young player in the world and The Special One knows talent when he sees it.

Weaknesses

  • Hazard's lack of charisma has been questioned as has his willingness to help out defensively. His recent international form has also sparked debate back in Belgium that a rumoured transfer is proving to be a distraction.

Fun Fact

Made his senior debut for Belgium at age 17 - but then took 3 years to score his first international goal.