Eden Hazard enjoyed a remarkable seven-season run at Chelsea, becoming one of the club’s legends with his impressive performances.
He joined Chelsea in 2012 from Lille for £32 million, establishing himself as a top talent after winning multiple Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards.
Hazard’s debut season showed his potential, as he quickly became a challenge for defenders, scoring 13 goals and earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.
Then, a significant change occurred.
Jose Mourinho returned as Chelsea’s manager, and in Hazard’s first season under him, he was named PFA Young Player of the Year and was a finalist for the senior award. This was just the beginning of what was to come.
During the summer, Mourinho reinforced the team, with key signings including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and striker Diego Costa.
Each player played a vital role in a title-winning season, but Hazard became the main force for Chelsea. He scored his first Premier League goal against Leicester as part of a strong start to the season.
Chelsea quickly hit their stride, with Hazard at the forefront of the team’s success. They had impressive victories, including a 6-3 win over Everton and a strong performance against Arsenal where Hazard converted a penalty to secure the win.
He continued to score, finding the net against QPR and West Brom, and shone in a match against Tottenham where he scored the opener after a clever exchange with Didier Drogba.
Doesn’t get more Hazard 🤤#UCL pic.twitter.com/Iy6y6PT70B
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 7, 2022
Chelsea maintained their position at the top of the league with Hazard as their driving force, even when the team faced challenges. After a chaotic New Year’s match against Tottenham, Mourinho adjusted the team’s strategy, but this didn’t affect Hazard’s performance.
He improved under Mourinho’s guidance, adding defensive work to his game while remaining a key attacking threat.
In March, he helped Chelsea secure their first trophy of the season by scoring penalties in the League Cup final against Spurs.
A strong finish to the season, with five goals in nine games, helped Chelsea solidify their title challenge.
Hazard with the winner #OnThisDay in 2015! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Ko9K71e4Zs
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 4, 2022
Two weeks later, Chelsea secured the Premier League title, with Hazard playing a crucial role. Despite not scoring the most memorable goal, his presence was felt as he turned in a rebound after missing a penalty, triggering celebrations.
This marked Hazard’s first Premier League title, highlighting a season where he scored 14 goals and provided nine assists. His performances defined his breakout season, showcasing his exceptional skill and contributions beyond statistics.
His ability to evade defenders and create opportunities made him a standout player, leading to his recognition as the PFA Player of the Year. He also won the FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season awards, solidifying his reputation.
Hazard spent four more successful seasons at Chelsea, winning another Premier League title in 2016/17. His time at Chelsea included six major trophies before he transferred to Real Madrid in 2019, fulfilling a long-time dream.
Real Madrid’s appeal was undeniable, and it had always seemed that Hazard would feel incomplete without playing for such a prestigious club.
His departure was a loss for Chelsea, as he had captivated fans with his thrilling style of play. The 2014/15 season showcased Hazard at his peak, truly a season where anything felt possible.
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