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Eden Hazard: Everything You Need to Know About Chelsea's New Signing

Greg ProbertAug 21, 2012

Anyone who watched Chelsea's opening league game on Sunday is now aware that Eden Hazard is a huge star in the making.

He was crowned as man of the match in his Premier League debut after being heavily involved in both Chelsea goals.

But if you want more, here is everything you need to know about the Blues' new young star.

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Physical Stats

Name: Eden Hazard

Date of birth: 07/01/1991

Birthplace: La Louviere, Belgium

Height: 5'7"

Position: Midfielder/Winger

Still only a young man, he is probably yet to realise his full potential, which is good news for Chelsea fans because they have a player than can be effective for many years.

Being only 5'7" may seem like a disadvantage in a physical league like the Premier League, but with a low centre of gravity, he is very difficult to knock off the ball.

This was evident against Wigan when he was turning and running past players to the point where the defenders were forced to commit fouls against him.

Footballing History

Individual Honours

2010-11 and 2011-12: French players player of the year

2008-09 and 2009-10: Ligue 1 young player of the year

Team Honours

2011 Ligue 1 and French Cup

Eden Hazard was surrounded by football from a young age, with both of his parents playing the game in Belgium.

His early youth career began at Belgian clubs Royal Stade Brainois and Tubize before being picked up by French-side Lille at only 14 years old.

It didn't take long for Hazard to become a first-team regular, picking up a few games from the bench in the 2007-08 season.

But it was the 2008-09 season where he really made his mark on the football world when he started to gain more starting performances, and as the season progressed, he became one of Lille's most important players.

As he continued to progress and improve, he earned himself an international cap for Belgium, and he has gone on to make 27 further appearances for his country.

His impressive progression then attracted attention from some of Europe's biggest clubs, and he was tipped to be one of Europe's biggest stars one day.

French legend and one of football's greats Zinedine Zidane is a big fan of Hazard's:

"

"I would take him to Real Madrid with my eyes closed. He can become a great footballer; he is a star of the future."

"

Quote's like these and impressive displays then sparked a tug-of-war between Europe's elite clubs for Hazard's signature, with Chelsea eventually winning the battle.

In the summer of this year, he sealed his switch to Stamford Bridge in a £32-million deal.

Playing Style

Hazard is usually deployed in an attacking-midfield role, but he can be equally effective in a wing position, utilising his pace and skill to terrorise defenders.

He can be a game changer at times with a burst of pace or a turn, opening up opposition and leaving them exposed.

His stocky frame and low centre of gravity means he is not a lightweight individual that can be pushed off the ball, helping him maintain the balance he needs to weave through oncoming defenders.

If he has a weakness, then it would probably be his work rate which has come into question by some of his past managers.

But this new challenge at Chelsea could be the kick he needs to up his efforts and work for his team to help them to silverware.

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