Eden Hazard: Would Chelsea Be the Right Choice?

Eden Hazard is probably the hottest property in European Football.

The Lille attacking midfielder has been leading Manchester United, Chelsea and City fans for a merry dance with constant delays of his declaration as to which team he will choose. It's not really possible to read the mind of a professional footballer, but we analysts can guess at factors that might influence his decision.

Let's start with money.

If it comes down to compensation, City wins out; they pack the biggest fiscal punch, and can offer wages that none of their competitors can match. However, Manchester United and Chelsea are not far off, being two of the richer clubs in the football world. But the player is unlikely to be motivated by just money, no matter how often harsh labels such as "money loving mercenary" are applied him.

Trophies are also something Hazard has to consider.

All three clubs are in the Champions League. All three could challenge for the title (though Chelsea would need a few additions). City have just won the league and is arguably the best team. However, United only lost the league courtesy of a last-minute winner from Sergio Aguero. Chelsea got both the FA Cup and the Champions League and won more trophies than City or United.

Lastly, Hazard needs to consider where he would play the best football, both in terms of the club's depth and style of play. From a numbers standpoint, Hazard would not play as much at the two Manchester clubs, as they both have established world class players in his position: Sergio Aguero for Manchester City and Wayne Rooney for Manchester United.

However, at Chelsea, where the club's owner is committed to remaking his team into a more technical, progressive side, Hazard could light up the Premier League, especially when considering that he offers Chelsea what it lacks—an authentic playmaking presence to complement Juan Mata. Hazard could have "a side built around him," as the saying goes.

Hazard's Qualities from a Tactical Standpoint

Eden Hazard plays as a winger (probably better described as an inside forward when considering the creative and direct connotations of that role). His game requires him to cut inside from a wide position and head for the goal, making decisions along the way about whether to pass, cross or shoot—all of which Hazard is capable of doing with deadly efficiency.

In that sense, he is probably similar to Juan Mata. Hazard is capable of playing on either wing, as an attacking midfielder, a playmaker or even as a "false nine." His attacking versatility will serve Hazard well, no matter which clubs he goes to.

Hazard at Manchester City

Hazard probably suits Manchester City in the sense that they play with two inverted wingers, each of whom could also be considered playmakers. However, it is important to consider the incredible depth that Roberto Mancini possesses. Hazard would have to compete with the likes of Adam Johnson, James Milner, David Silva and Samir Nasri for a starting place on the wing. If Mancini is tempted to play the Belgian as a second striker, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez stand in his way.

Hazard will need time to adapt to the stronger marking in England and gain confidence to replicate his eye-catching displays at Lille.

Such time he is not likely to get at Manchester City.

Hazard at Manchester United

Hazard would get first-team opportunities here, playing as a second striker off Wayne Rooney, who would be forced to play as a lone striker. While the change might not best suit Rooney, manager Alex Ferguson would probably manipulate the system to fit in Hazard.

The main issue of Hazard at United would be the style of play. United have a very different style of play from City, with wingers bombing forward and direct crosses. 

Benoit Pedretti, the deep-lying playmaker was vital to Lille's success—and Hazard's. He replicated the role that Yohan Cabaye played to some extent at Lille last season. Manchester United ticks that box, with Paul Scholes or Michael Carrick to supply Hazard. It is still doubtful whether Hazard could play in a direct, English, 4-4-1-1, as compared to Lille's more Barcelonaesque 4-1-2-3, with the two wingers cutting inside to create.

Hazard at Chelsea

Chelsea are the best possible choice for Hazard, at least in my opinion.

There is a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 tradition at the club, in which the team plays semi-direct dribbling football, where the wingers are encouraged to dribble and come inside, as well as play crosses up to the lone striker. This style was partly instituted by the team being built to play around Didier Drogba, as well as Frank Lampard. 

Hazard is used to playing with a big man—as he did with Moussa Sow—and this season, Tulio de Melo will fill that role. Wingers and attacking midfielders at Chelsea usually have huge amounts of end product. Juan Mata has 13 assists, while Daniel Sturridge has 11 goals, which is a decent return by any standard.

And we're neglecting Frank Lampard, whose goals tally is never low.

Hazard has 20 goals and 16 assists, making him ideal for a club which looks to get a lot out of it's attacking midfielders. The purchase of Hazard represents something of an ideological shift for Chelsea, one which started with the hiring of Andre Villas-Boas, a move towards a more progressive style of play.

Roberto Di Matteo played it safe with Chelsea squad, utilising their strengths and beating teams on the counter. In the offseason, however, he seems to be committed to finish what Villas Boas started by signing Marko Marin, the German playmaker, as well as Hazard.

To facilitate changes in the style of play, you need to have club icons that symbolize and epitomize your style. Llorente for Athletic Bilbao, Xavi for Barcelona, Ronaldo for Real Madrid, Rooney for Manchester United and perhaps Carlos Tevez for Manchester City.

Hazard could be that player, the leader of Chelsea's shift toward footballing beauty.