After earning 126 caps for the country in 14 years, Eden Hazard announced his retirement from international football shortly after Belgium exited the FIFA World Cup 2022 in the group stages. 

Eden Hazard was the posterboy of Belgium’s renaissance in international football. 

Belgium, who had found great success in the early 20th century, regained their prominence in world football over the last decade and are currently positioned No. 2 in the FIFA world rankings. Hazard was an integral figure in their surge, alongside other stars like Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Vincent Kompany. 

Eden Hazard made his international debut with the Belgian national football team in 2008 in a friendly match against Luxembourg. He was 17 at the time. Hazard scored his first goal in an international match in 2011 against Kazakhstan.

Hazard played his first FIFA World Cup at Brazil 2014. He led the team at Russia 2018, steering Belgium to their best finish at the football World Cup with a third place. Hazard also won the Silver Ball in that World Cup, an award given to the second-best player of the tournament. He had scored three goals and one assist for Belgium in the 2018 edition.

Hazard finished his international football career with 33 goals and 36 assists for the Red Devils. Only Romelu Lukaku has scored more goals for Belgium than the former Chelsea attacker. 

Hazard rose to prominence during his days with French club LOSC Lille and became a global superstar after his move to Chelsea in 2012. 

Hazard went on to win two Premier League titles with the English club, alongside two UEFA Europa League titles and one FA Cup. 

Real Madrid broke their transfer record to welcome the Belgian star in the summer of 2019. The Galacticos paid �?15 million to complete the little magician’s dream move.  

Here’s a look at Eden Hazard’s statistics for club and country.

Eden Hazard stats

International football

Belgium

• Matches: 123
• Goals: 33
• Assists: 36

FIFA World Cup

• Matches: 14
• Goals: 3
• Assists: 4

World Cup qualifiers

• Matches: 12
• Goals: 7
• Assists: 6

UEFA Euros

• Matches: 9
• Goals: 1
• Assists: 5

UEFA Euros

• Matches: 17
• Goals: 10
• Assists: 8

Club football 

Club	Matches	Goals	Assists
LOSC Lille	194	50	53
Chelsea	352	110	92
Real Madrid	72	7	11

Photo Credit: Alamy

Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard has been trolled by fast-food giant Burger King on social media after he is now ruled out for six weeks due to a muscle injury.

This is the latest injury setback for the Belgian superstar, who had joined the La Liga giants in 2019 from Chelsea and has yet to live up to the substantial investment made in him. The 30-year-old, signed for a fee of around £100 million, has already missed more games than he has ever done in his 5-year tenure at Chelsea.

In his first 7 months at the Santiago Bernabeu, Hazard sat out for three matches with a hamstring injury followed by an ankle injury that sidelined him for over two months. His bad luck continued as he was ruled out for another three months with a damaged fibula bone. However, after missing many games with muscle injuries in the latter part of 2020, Hazard returned to play for the Galacticos.

This season, the Belgian winger started four of Madrid's last five matches, including Saturday's La Liga defeat to Levante, but missed training on Tuesday with muscular discomfort. This, in turn, has cast doubts over Hazard’s participation in Saturday's trip to Huesca.

With eyebrows being raised after his absence on Tuesday, Popular Spanish football chat show El Chiringuito tweeted: “Hazard didn’t train with the team today. Why?�?/span>

In a quirky reply, Burger King quoted El Chiringuito’s tweet, accompanied with the message: �?x1 at Burger King�?suggesting he had missed training so he could enjoy the latest two-for-one deal at the fast-food chain.

2x1 en Burger King. http://t.co/ac6iLKx4TZ

�?Burger King España (@burgerking_es) February 2, 2021

The tweet went viral and received almost 30k retweets and was accompanied by complaints from the Madrid fans.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Peter Powell

Real Madrid players Eden Hazard and Casemiro have tested positive for the global virus, confirmed the club after their samples were taken on Friday morning. "Real Madrid C. F. informs that our players Casemiro and Hazard have given positive results in the (global virus) tests carried out yesterday Friday morning," Real Madrid wrote on their official website.

The club went on to clarify that the rest of the players, as well as the coaching staff that were in touch with Hazard and Casemiro, have been tested and found to be negative.

"All the other players and the coaching staff of the first team, as well as all the club employees who work directly with them, gave negative results in that same test carried out yesterday. Likewise, it is confirmed again that all, except for Casemiro and Hazard, have given negative results in the antigen tests carried out this morning," the club stated.

It is the latest in a series of positive tests among Madrid players, coming after defender Eder Militao tested positive earlier in the week, which forced him to miss the match against Inter Milan. Prior to that, Madrid forward Mariano Diaz also tested positive.

The absence of Hazard and Casemiro will no doubt be felt by Madrid, as both men played an important role in their 3-2 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Wednesday. Before that, Hazard delivered a goal in Madrid's 4-1 victory over Huesca in the La Liga, where they sit second in the points table.

There is no news as of yet about whether any Inter or Huesca players have tested positive.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Peter Powell

Real Madrid would love nothing more than for Eden Hazard to burst into life against Manchester City on Friday but their march to the La Liga title has shown they know very well how to win without him. 

Faced with the challenge of overturning a 2-1 first-leg defeat in February, a lesser Madrid might have been looking to Hazard for inspiration as they try to shock Pep Guardiola's side and reach the Champions League quarter-finals. 

"We know we have to go there and win," said Zinedine Zidane after the first leg.

Back in England, where he forged his reputation as one of the world's most lethal attackers, and up against arguably the favourites to win the tournament, the stage is set again for Hazard to rescue what has been a nightmare opening year in Spain. 

Yet few are billing this as a duel between Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne, Belgium's two brightest talents, or tieing Madrid's progress to the mast of a decisive Hazard intervention, the like of which Madrid's fans are yet to witness this season. 

• Bale left out by Zidane for Man City test

"We know the team wins with Eden," said Zidane in February. "That's why we signed him, he's a great player."

But the team have won without him too. The reality is Madrid have learned not to miss the player they signed for 100 million euros last year and who said at his unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu he wanted to become the club's next Galactico. 

There is still time, but Hazard's Madrid career so far has been a series of setbacks and comebacks, with only glimpses in between of those mazey runs, surges of acceleration or goals. In 21 appearances, Hazard has scored only once this season.

He may not be fully fit on Friday given the 11 games since La Liga resumed saw Hazard start some games, come off early in others and miss a handful altogether. 

He was absent from the pictures published by the club on Wednesday of the morning's training session at Valdebebas.

Zidane has been vague on the 29-year-old's fitness issues but what is clear is the operation in March does not appear to have completely fixed his troublesome right ankle. 

When he has been fit enough to play, Hazard has struck an unmissable chemistry with Karim Benzema and their promising partnership could wreak havoc in City's creaky backline or, further ahead, take Madrid to another level next term. 

• Silva has last shot at European glory before Man City goodbye

Zidane has admitted his team's La Liga success was built almost entirely on their defence but there is room for improvement up front, where Benzema's brilliant form has often made up for a lack of fluency and chances. 

“Even as someone who prefers exciting, attacking football, the defence is the most important thing right now,�?Zidane said last month.

In that sense, Madrid's strengths are far more threatened in Manchester by the absence of the suspended Sergio Ramos than they would be boosted by the return of Hazard, who could be kept on the bench if the conservative Zidane prefers a late push to all-out attack from the start. 

There would be no better moment for peak Hazard to emerge but this is not the Madrid he joined last year, desperate and dead on their feet, at the end of a chastening season without silverware and without encouragement. 

Zidane has led the transformation and he maintains complete faith, at least in public, that Hazard will come good at Madrid eventually. For now at least, it is more hope than expectation. 

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Pierre-Philippe Marcou

Real Madrid could win La Liga on Monday after a routine 2-0 win over Alaves on Friday put them within touching distance of the title.

With suspended skipper Sergio Ramos sitting in the stands, Karim Benzema took over the armband and then penalty duties, firing in from the spot before teeing up Marco Asensio to add a second at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.

After restoring their four-point advantage at the top of the table, the pressure is back on Barcelona.

If Barca fail to win away at Real Valladolid on Saturday, Madrid will clinch the title with two games to spare by beating Granada on Monday at Los Carmenes.

Yet even if Madrid have to wait, it seems inevitable they will hoist the trophy, given they also boast the superior head-to-head record against Barcelona with three games left.

Madrid can afford to draw two of those, even if Barcelona manage three victories out of three.

"We still don't know what is going to happen," said Real coach Zinedine Zidane. "La Liga is very hard and we have three finals still to go."

"We have to stay focused," added Raphael Varane.

After sacking their coach Asier Garitano last week following five consecutive defeats, Alaves never looked likely to cause an upset.

This loss in Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz's first game in charge leaves them hovering above the relegation zone, only three points ahead of Real Mallorca, who have hope after their win over Levante on Thursday.

Zidane will be relieved all the same, particularly as he had to do without a string of key players.

Ramos and Dani Carvajal were both banned while Marcelo was injured, taking out three of Madrid's regular back four.

Eden Hazard was unable to start but came on in the second half to ease concerns about niggling problems with his ankle.

A makeshift defence, including Lucas Vazquez at right-back, chalked up another clean sheet, Madrid's fifth in a row for the first time in 12 years. It is also their sixth in eight games since the restart.

Alaves might have broke that run in the first few minutes as Joselu headed against the crossbar and Lucas Perez's follow-up had to be cleared off the line by Varane.

Eder Militao then had to make a perfectly-timed challenge to prevent Perez going clear.

But Madrid survived and then took the lead in the 11th minute, Ferland Mendy driving to the line and going down under the sliding tackle of Ximo Navarro, who caught him with his trailing leg.

Benzema scored the penalty for his 23rd goal of the season.

Oliver Burke twice caused Madrid problems with weaving runs forward before Benzema hurt his neck from an awkward fall on the stroke of half-time.

Benzema was able to continue but injured referee Gil Manzano was replaced by Rodriguez Carpallo, whose first big decision was to allow Madrid's second goal.

Rodrygo did well to muscle his way through midfield before freeing Benzema, who looked offside but sped forward and side-footed for Asensio to tap in. Replays showed Benzema had timed his run and the goal stood.

Thibaut Courtois had to make two smart saves but Madrid were cruising by the end.

Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior should have made it three when queueing up at the back post but two was enough.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Gabriel Bouys

Zinedine Zidane hopes Eden Hazard will play again this season but has confirmed the Belgian is feeling pain again in his troublesome right ankle. 

Hazard will miss Real Madrid's game away at Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Sunday, when Zidane's team could extend their four-point lead over Barcelona, who face in-form Villarreal. 

After undergoing surgery on his right ankle in March, Hazard was able to use the three-month suspension to recover. 

Yet he was forced off early against Espanyol last weekend after taking a knock to the same ankle and then sat out Madrid's win over Getafe on Thursday.

"I hope so," Zidane said, when asked if Hazard will play again this season. "Eden has been having trouble these last few days. We don't want to risk anything. 

"Hopefully it's minor, we hope we can see Eden with us before the end of the season. It's day-by-day, we know it was just a big hit, nothing more." 

Hazard has endured an injury-plagued first season since joining Real Madrid from Chelsea for 100 million euros last year. 

Asked if Hazard was becoming afraid of getting injured, Zidane said: "I don't think so, what you want is to be fine and to play. When he feels discomfort and isn't 100 percent, it's a problem for him and for everyone. 

"We're here for him. It's Eden's first year here, he wants to help the team and when he can't do it, he's not happy." 

Madrid are now firm favourites to win the title, having won six out of six games since the restart. 

They will pull seven points clear if they win away at Bilbao on Sunday, which would put the pressure on Barca before they visit Villarreal a few hours later. 

"The players know this is a long and difficult competition and after what they did during the lockdown, they have shown their desire to win everything," Zidane said. 

"So there is no euphoria because we haven't won anything yet. It's just about work and commitment." 

Madrid will be without Raphael Varane on Sunday after the defender hurt his neck during the win over Getafe. 

"It's just a precaution, he's been a lot better but it's in his neck so we don't want to take any risks," said Zidane. "It also means he can have a rest which will do him good." 

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Jose Jordan

Real Madrid are reaching a point where a major squad rebuild will become necessary. A number of key performers like Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema are well into their thirties and will soon need to be replaced.

At the same time, there are a lot of players in the squad that are not part of manager Zinedine Zidane’s plans at the Santiago Bernabeu. So, there is likely to be a lot of transfer activity at the Spanish capital club when the transfer window opens for business.

But who will be shown the door and who will survive the axe? We assess the possibilities.

Goalkeepers

Thibaut Courtois

Has improved drastically after a sloppy start to the season. Undisputed no. 1 at the Bernabeu.

Verdict: Stays.

Alphonse Areola

On loan from PSG, the Frenchman is unlikely to stay beyond this season owing to the emergence of Andriy Lunin, who is currently away on loan at Oviedo.

Verdict: Leaves. 

Defence

Raphael Varane

Continues to be linked with a Jose Mourinho team as is the case every transfer window. However, the World Cup winner is the natural successor for Sergio Ramos and is going nowhere.

Verdict: Stays.

Eder Militao

Signed in a big-money deal last summer, the Brazilian has flattered to deceive. Although, the lack of an extended run of games has impacted Eder’s form.

There has been a lot of interest in securing his services ahead of the summer window. However, it is unlikely that any of the suitors would be able to meet Real Madrid’s valuation of the defender, with finances being hit by the current crisis.

Verdict: Stays.

Sergio Ramos

The Real Madrid captain’s contract is on the verge of expiry in a year. While there is no doubt he will stay at the club, it is time for the club to start the search for a long-term replacement for the Spaniard.

Verdict: Stays.

Nacho

Real Madrid’s utility man has struggled for form and fitness in the ongoing campaign. The Merengues are in need of injecting some fresh blood into their defence. And with interest from Lazio and Sevilla, the time might be right to move the academy man on this summer.

Verdict: Leaves.

Ferland Mendy

Ferland Mendy's (L) stock has been on the rise within Real Madrid. Image courtesy: AFP / Pierre-Philippe Marcou

The Frenchman endured a slow start to life in Spain but has begun to make an impression. Looks ready to take over as the first-choice left-back next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Marcelo

The 31-year-old remains a key player for Zinedine Zidane’s side. And even though he is likely to fall behind Mendy in the pecking order next term, he is expected to stay put at the Bernabeu.

Verdict: Stays.

Dani Carvajal

The Spaniard remains the undisputed first-choice right-back at Real Madrid, although that could change next season when Achraf Hakimi returns from his loan spell. Nevertheless, he will be a part of Zidane’s squad.

Verdict: Stays.

Read | How the coronavirus crisis is likely to affect the transfer market

Midfielders

Casemiro

The midfield linchpin for Real Madrid.

Verdict: Stays.

Federico Valverde

Has enjoyed a scintillating breakthrough campaign and is being groomed to take over from the ageing Luka Modric. Signed a new long-term deal with a huge release clause. There has been interest from Manchester United, but there’s no way he is leaving.

Verdict: Stays.

Toni Kroos

The German international turned 30 earlier this year, but is going strong. Signed a new contract not very long ago and will continue to essay an important role.

Verdict: Stays.

Luka Modric

The Croatian has been a brilliant servant for Real Madrid. But he will be 35 by the time the next season starts and has just a year left on his current contract. There has been interest from Inter Milan, while a move to the MLS has also been mooted.

Verdict: Leaves.

Isco

The former Golden Boy award winner enjoys the manager’s trust and his ability to play in midfield and on the wings makes him a useful quantity for Real Madrid.

Verdict: Stays.

James Rodriguez

The Colombian has never been a part of Zidane’s plans at Real Madrid, not during the Frenchman’s first stint at the club, nor now. An exit beckons.

Verdict: Leaves.

Reinier Jesus

The youngster’s transfer was completed only in January. The 18-year-old is regarded as the next big thing in Brazil and has a bright future ahead of him. However, he is likely to be more involved with the Castilla team next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Brahim Diaz

Brahim Diaz's return to Los Blancos has not been a good time. Image courtesy: AFP / Ander Gillenea

Signed from Manchester City in January last year, the Spaniard has failed to kick on since returning to his boyhood club. With Martin Odegaard expected to slot in into the first-team next term, his chances will be further hampered. An exit, on loan if not permanent, is a strong possibility.

Verdict: Leaves.

Attackers

Eden Hazard

The marquee signing of last summer has struggled to get going in his debut season in Madrid. Given his quality, expect him to make some serious waves next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Vinicius Junior

The Brazilian winger has shown signs of potential, but it is time for him to step it up a notch and perform consistently.

Verdict: Stays.

Read | Who could stay or leave this summer? Arsenal’s squad assessed

Marco Asensio

Rated as one of the best young players in Spain, Asensio has not featured this season due to ongoing injury problems. Once fit, he will be an asset for Real Madrid.

Verdict: Stays.

Rodrygo

Another youngster who has shown signs of his potential this season, Rodrygo is expected to play a more integral role going forward at Real Madrid.

Verdict: Stays.

Gareth Bale

Every transfer window it’s the same situation with Bale and Real Madrid. Will he stay, will he leave? Things haven’t always been good between the Welshman and Zidane.

But will any team be able to afford paying Bale’s transfer fee and his wages next season, with the prevailing conditions? Seems unlikely. This means he is likely to end up staying at the club.

Verdict: Stays.

Lucas Vazquez

The Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid. And when given a chance, he has failed to grasp the opportunity. Has just a year left on his contract and the club will want to cash in. Time to move on for the winger.

Verdict: Leaves.

Karim Benzema

The Real Madrid ace striker has taken over as the club’s chief goalscorer since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. Is an extremely important player.

Verdict: Stays.

Luka Jovic

Signed last summer in a mega money deal, things have hardly gone to plan for the Serbian international. However, given his age and potential, the club are likely to give him another chance to come good next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Mariano Diaz

The 26-year-old has hardly been used by Zidane this season. The Frenchman had sold him once before and it is likely to happen once again this summer.

Verdict: Leaves.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Pierre-Philippe Marcou

The last decade was another eventful one for Chelsea. Having started the period with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, the Blues changed managers eight times, entering the new decade with club legend Frank Lampard at the helm. 

During this period, the west London outfit tasted plenty of success �?three Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League trophy, two UEFA Europa League trophies, three FA Cups and a League Cup. 

In what was a hugely triumphant period for the club, many players came in and went out through the doors at Stamford Bridge. But who stood out to be their worthiest acquisition over the last decade? Lets�?take a look;

Juan Mata

Signed from La Liga outfit Valencia in 2011, Juan Mata may not have had the longest of stints at Chelsea, but the Spaniard’s time at the club will be long cherished by the fans.

Read | Manchester City’s top five signings from the last decade

Mata, during his time with Chelsea, lit up Stamford Bridge with his creativity and slick passing, playing an important role in the club’s first-ever Champions League triumph and was again key in their Europa League success the subsequent season. The midfielder was named Chelsea’s Player of the Year during both these seasons.

With Jose Mourinho returning to the club in 2013, Mata’s game time reduced drastically, due to which he made the switch to Manchester United in January 2014. At Chelsea, the Spanish international made 135 appearances, scoring 32 goals and setting up 58 more, winning a number of trophies and many hearts along the way.

Eden Hazard

Back in 2012, Eden Hazard was one of the most sought-after players, with every top club in England and Europe vying for his signature. So when Chelsea beat everyone else to the punch to land the Belgian from Lille, it was seen as a massive coup. And as the years rolled on, it proved to be a masterstroke for the Blues.

Hazard, during his time with the club, grew into one of the best players across Europe, helping Chelsea to massive success in the process. The Belgian international won two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies along with domestic cups as well, playing a crucial role in each of those triumphs. 

Read | Real Madrid’s top five signings from the last decade

Hazard ended up leaving the club for Real Madrid last summer. In all, the Belgian wing-wizard made 352 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 110 goals and setting up 92 more, claiming a number of individual honours in the process. His trademark runs cutting in from the left-side leaving defenders bamboozled will be long remembered by Chelsea fans as well as the Premier League fans.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Another import from the Ligue 1 in 2012, Cesar Azpilicueta joined Chelsea from Marseille for a fee just under �? million. And boy, what a bargain has he turned out to be for the Londoners! 

Azpilicueta may not be among the most naturally gifted players, but he more than makes it up for it with his dedication, commitment and versatility. During his time at Chelsea, the Spaniard has been asked to perform various duties �?right-back, left-back, centre-back, wing-back and every time he has stepped up to the challenge and performed admirably.

A leader on and off the field, Azpilicueta was named the captain at Chelsea following Gary Cahill’s departure. Till date, he has made 374 appearances for the club and at 30 years of age, he still has plenty left in the tank.

Read | Inter Milan’s top five signings from the last decade

Willian

The likes of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas were worthy contenders, but Willian’s longevity at the club and the fact that he has more or less been a regular member of the starting XI under every manager that has been at Chelsea since his arrival sees him make this list.

Signed in the summer of 2013 from under the nose of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Willian has had his fair share of critics during his time at Chelsea. But the Brazilian has fought through it and has added immense value to this side, helping the Blues achieve plenty of success along the way.

Till date, the 31-year-old has featured 329 times for Chelsea, scoring and assisting 59 goals apiece. The Brazilian has been a senior figurehead this season for a relatively young side under Frank Lampard, but with his contract running out at the end of the season, he could very well be on his way out.

N’Golo Kante

Signed from Leicester City following their surprise Premier League triumph in 2015-16, the diminutive midfielder from France made an immediate impact upon arriving at Chelsea. 

Read | Barcelona’s top five signings from the last decade

In his very first season, Kante played a crucial role as Chelsea lifted the Premier League title under Antonio Conte. The Frenchman was duly awarded the Chelsea Player of the Year award, along with the PFA Player of the Year and the FWA Player of the Year honours for that season. 

Kante was integral to the Blues�?FA Cup triumph the subsequent season and last year’s UEFA Europa League glory as well. The 29-year-old has racked up 164 appearances for the west London outfit till date and has only enhanced his status as one of the best defensive midfielders in the game currently during his time at Chelsea.

Seven months into his Real Madrid tenure and Eden Hazard has already missed more games for the Galacticos through injury than he did in his entire Chelsea career.

Hazard, after an anticipated move to Madrid in July last year, was reckoned as the newest member of Real’s Galactico wave alongside Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo Goes but fast forward to the date and none of them have managed to live up the hype. 

A legend in every sense at Stamford Bridge, Hazard made a comeback from injury which had kept him on the sidelines since November 2019 on Saturday, but the Belgian lasted just 67 minutes after suffering a hairline fracture in a 1-0 loss to Levante.

“Following the tests carried out today on our player, Eden Hazard, by the Real Madrid medical department, he has been diagnosed with a fracture to his right distal fibula,�?read an official statement from Real Madrid.

Games Eden Hazard has missed with injury:

20 games in 7 seasons with Chelsea

20 games during his first season with Real Madrid

(h/t @TMuk_news) pic.twitter.com/3RbmXSnuuf

�?ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 23, 2020

It is expected that the fracture is set to keep him out for at least two months, meaning that he’d miss Real’s Champions League tie against Manchester City as well as the El Clasico. Hazard has had terrible luck with injuries since moving to Spain. His list includes:

• August 16 - September 10: Hamstring injury | 25 days sidelined | 3 games missed
• November 27 - December 5: Bruised ankle | 8 days sidelined | 1 game missed
• December 5 - February 7: Hairline crack in the foot | 64 days sidelined | 16 games missed
• February 22 - March 1: Hairline fracture in right fibula | 8 days sidelined | 2 games missed 

As things stand, the 29-year-old has only one goal and an assist in La Liga this season. For someone who used to dominate and dictate the Premier League at will, a form as this remains a cause of concern given that Real paid as much a club-record transfer fee of £130m �?including all the bonuses. 

Hazard first appeared in Real’s starting XI in late September; and has only played 140 minutes of football in last three months. Exactly at this time last year, Hazard had the world at his feet, carrying Chelsea’s top-four quest in the Premier League and was touted to be one of best footballers; on shoulders with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo. The pressure of performing in the royal white shirt, however, has taken its toll. Injuries sure have played bit parts, but the fact remains that the Belgian is no longer the world-beater he was at Chelsea.

Is it that Hazard, who was involved in 31 league goals last season (16 goals and 15 assists), has become a victim of Real’s anguished hunt of finding Ronaldo’s replacement? Maybe. And if that is the case, the pressure is more than obvious. Hazard’s quality as a footballer has never been questioned, to say the least. Working under Zinedine Zidane has always been his dream, which began soon after he received a call from the Frenchman after Euro 2016. But now that the dream has been achieved, destiny has taken a distasteful turn.

The last international break of 2019 is coming to an end with club football returning to grab centre-stage. In the Indian Super League (ISL) returns with a high-octane fixture between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters which is sure to enthral the fans, with Odisha FC and ATK bringing the week to a close with a Super Sunday showdown.

On the other hand, the battle for grabbing a Euro 2020 spot is in full swing with Germany, Belgium and Croatia securing a place in the finals of the competition already. But with international fixtures and club football all taking place in the same week, the Nostragamus fantasy managers will have to be cautious in choosing and fielding their perfect squad. That said, here we bring to you five players whom you can pick to ensure you lead the fantasy leaderboard.

EDEN HAZARD

Country: Belgium 

Match: Belgium vs Cyprus

The international colours are working well for the Belgian superstar who is taking his own time to settle into the white kit of Real Madrid. Hazard was clinical against Russia this past weekend when he struck two goals and became Belgium’s second-highest goal scorer. His exploits with his nation are surely expected to get better when Belgium face Cyprus on Tuesday night with an aim to complete a clean sheet of victories in the European qualifiers. He is Zinedine Zidane’s favourite and has time and again proved his worth with his impeccable skills and goal-scoring abilities. He should be your favourite too this week.

Also Read: Can Eden Hazard restore the glory that eluded Real Madrid last season?

JAMIE VARDY

Club: Leicester City

Match: Brighton vs Leicester City

Premier League’s current top goalscorer with 11 goals in his bag, Vardy has sprung back to life under Brendan Rodgers. Four goals and an assist in the past three games for Leicester City have bolstered the confidence of the Englishman whose form is surely expected to peak in a trip to Brighton. The Foxes now sit just behind Liverpool in the league table and have been rampant in their outings lately. Expect nothing less than a goal-scoring spree from the Leicester No. 9.

BARTHOLOMEW OGBECHE

Club: Kerala Blasters

Match: Bengaluru FC v Kerala Blasters

Even though Kerala Blasters have endured a slow start to the 2019-20 ISL season, new signing Bartholomew Ogbeche has been blossoming for the Blasters. He seems to have been continuing his fine goalscoring form from last season with Northeast United where he ended with 12 goals to his name. So far, the Nigerian centre forward has netted two goals for Kerala with a comprehensive passing accuracy of 56.25%. Given his veteran status on the field, the ace striker surely is enjoying the competitiveness of the league and is displaying his immense hunger to score goals.

Also Read: Amine Chermiti’s experience a key element in Mumbai City FC’s surge

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI

Club: Bayern Munich

Match: Fortuna vs Bayern Munich

The Polish goal machine is ruthless with the opponent teams shuddering at the sight of him running towards their goal. Having already scored for Bayern Munich in all their domestic league and Champions League games so far, Lewandowski has given no signals of slowing down.

11 matches, 16 goals

Robert Lewandowski has scored in every single league game that Bayern Munich have played this season

The king of the Bundesliga . pic.twitter.com/afL523wpaZ

�?King De Supremo. (@Kingdesupremo) November 10, 2019

His domestic tally stands at 16 goals in 11 games in the Bundesliga and with international break strengthening his resolve of scoring, expect nothing but goals galore from the Bavarian striker when he faces Slovenia on Wednesday and Fortuna on Saturday.

DAVID WILLIAMS

Club: ATK

Match: Odisha FC vs ATK

David Williams is enjoying life with ATK at the moment. The 31-year-old has played the full length of the 90 minutes across four games and has netted three goals and provided an invaluable assist so far. For his outstanding display with Kolkata, he was presented with October’s Hero of the Month award in the ISL and has been instrumental in dictating the play for his club.

A sensational start for @willo_15 in the #HeroISL

The Australian striker's first goal @HydFCOfficial wins your vote for Fans' Goal of the Week for Gameweek 2. #LetsFootball #TrueLove pic.twitter.com/OXtp7vaIIh

�?Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 31, 2019

Recently, he scored ISL’s 1000^th goal and given his blistering form with the league toppers ATK, David is a no brainer in your fantasy squad for this week.

Feature image courtesy: AFP/ Sven Hoppe