Ezequiel Lavezzi vs. Eden Hazard: Breaking Down the PSG-Chelsea Forward Battle
Paris Saint-Germain were already men down ahead of Chelsea's visit to Parc des Princes for their Champions League last-16 bout this week.
But an injury crisis suffered in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Caen means Laurent Blanc's squad is looking even more depleted.
Javier Pastore was expected to miss out due to the thigh strain that has kept him sidelined for the past fortnight, yet Lucas Moura, Yohan Cabaye, Marquinhos and Serge Aurier are now on the treatment table.
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In a bizarre turn of events, all four players suffered injuries while on Ligue 1 duties at the weekend, Blanc saying it was "the first time I've ever experienced such an extraordinary scenario," per ESPN FC.
What it means is that the PSG team is picking itself. Tactics or not, Blanc has no choice but to go with certain players.
One of those will be Ezequiel Lavezzi, a man whom Chelsea know well, having faced him in recent seasons as a Napoli and PSG player.
He hasn't been prolific this season, but Lavezzi will pose a significant threat, as will Chelsea's own wing wizard Eden Hazard, who recently signed a five-and-a-half-year contract extension with the Blues.
Who will come out on top in this game? Bleacher Report takes a closer look.
Style
Lavezzi and Hazard are both players who enjoy being direct in their approach. They get the ball and go, running straight at defenders, forcing them into giving away free-kicks or, better still, evading their attentions to create openings for their teammates.
It has to be said, Lavezzi lacks the skill of Hazard. The Argentine has a creative streak, but his ability with the ball at his feet is found wanting compared to the Chelsea man.
Hazard is a smooth operator. He's tenacious in the same way as Lavezzi, but he comes smoother around the edges.
Indeed, Lavezzi is best in the beginning stages of matches, something Chelsea found to their detriment last term when he opened the scoring in their quarter-final clash with PSG, finding the back of the net after just three minutes.
He tends to fade late on, though. When his legs have gone weary, Lavezzi isn't the same player, and for that reason, Blanc has used him as an impact substitute at times.
That's far from the case with Hazard. He keeps going at defenders, pacing himself through games intelligently.
His ability with the ball at his feet means Hazard, even when weary after 80 minutes, is a threat. He ducks and dives, finds space when he shouldn't and makes things happen.
Assists and Goals
It hasn't been a great season for Lavezzi in terms of his output for PSG.
There have been plenty of rumours about his future in the French capital, with Liverpool among the many clubs rumoured to be interested in signing him, per The Telegraph.
Maybe that's affected his form, as Lavezzi has picked up just two assists in all competitions this season.
He hasn't started as many games as he would like either—just two in the Champions League and 10 in Ligue 1.
Hazard, meanwhile, is his usual self. Chelsea are benefiting greatly from his presence, with the Belgian involved in 20 goals this term, picking up seven assists and scoring 13.
He is a constant threat and a major reason why Jose Mourinho's side are flying high at the top of the Premier League.
Influence
Whereas Hazard is the man this Chelsea team is being built around, Lavezzi is just another part of the PSG machine.
Much of what Blanc's side does is about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the team's star striker who gets them their goals, and Lavezzi's job is to help ensure that remains the case.
As Lavezzi's figures show, he hasn't been totally convincing in that area either.
At Chelsea it's different.
Hazard will serve Diego Costa in attack, but equally, this Chelsea team will serve the Belgian. They break with him on the left, and more often than not, he produces the goods—either bringing others into play or by creating opportunities in front of goal.
The way Chelsea play feeds Hazard's abilities, but Lavezzi's role at PSG isn't as vital, which is why he is often rotated.
When Lavezzi is missing, his absence isn't felt as much as Chelsea without Hazard.
Character
The Argentine is a pit bull, chasing everything and working hard for his team-mates.
Indeed, that characteristic is one of the most endearing qualities about Lavezzi; he may not always set the world alight, but he'll always give that effort every manager appreciates.
| Age | 2014/15 Apps | 2014/15 Assists | 2014/15 Goals | |
| Lavezzi | 29 | 15 +11 | 2 | 4 |
| Hazard | 24 | 33 +3 | 7 | 13 |
He presses defenders, works his opposite number to make his presence known.
Hazard does much of the same, yet he's more considered in his approach. He has a more laid-back persona when he's going about his business.
And whereas Lavezzi will bite at times, Hazard has a cool head. He's among the most fouled players in the Premier League, but rarely—if ever—does he kick back, something that is supported by the fact he has made just 10 fouls all season and hasn't been cautioned in all competitions since late October.
Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes.
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