Eden Hazard, Christian Benteke Slammed by Marc Wilmots After Belgium Beat Cyprus

Belgium manager Marc Wilmots has hit out at Chelsea winger Eden Hazard and Liverpool striker Christian Benteke after they each turned in poor performances for the national side against Cyprus in a 1-0 win.

It was Hazard who got on the scoresheet in the 85th minute to prevent an embarrassing result for the Red Devils, who are ranked second in the FIFA world rankings. But speaking after the match, Wilmots insisted the Blues star needs to improve.

“He (Hazard) was the worst tonight,” said Wilmots, per Daniel Prescott of the MailOnline. “I thought about substituting him, but in the last 10 minutes he always has the ability to do that. At the World Cup, this was the case. I obviously expect more from him, but he will grow as the season progresses.”

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While the goal papered over the cracks of an underwhelming effort from Belgium, it was a significant strike, as Hazard’s goal meant the team’s spot at the 2016 European Championships is now virtually secured.

Here’s a look at the winning goal, per OnSideAr:

A bullish Wilmots wasn’t too pleased with Benteke either. The burly striker was dragged off at half-time after he was ineffectual in the opening 45 minutes and his manager branded his display a “half-performance.” Liverpool team-mate Divock Origi replaced Benteke for the second period.

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In fairness to Benteke, it was his first game back in the team since suffering a thigh problem, per Andy Kelly of the Liverpool Echo. Nevertheless, the forward hasn’t quite been at his best since a £32.5 million summer move to the Reds from Aston Villa and seems to be taking a little bit of time to adjust to his new surroundings.

Hazard hasn’t enjoyed the best of starts to the season for his club, either, as we can see here courtesy of OptaJoe:

Indeed, as noted in Prescott’s piece, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has also been openly critical of Hazard this season, suggesting he has a “responsibility” to match the standards he showcased last term, which won him the PFA and Football Writers' Association Player of the Year awards.

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One of the main traits Hazard possesses that sets him aside from other wide players is the level of consistency he shows. At the moment, those levels aren’t quite there, but the fact he’s still popping up with massive contributions in big moments is the sign of a player who has matured and is ready to take responsibility.

As noted by Mourinholic, the Chelsea man actually endured a similarly slow start last season before going on to achieve great things:

Belgium seem to be having the same issues every time they take to the field. The talent is undoubtedly there, with quality in every facet of the squad. But the Red Devils have struggled to put it together recently, and it’s up to the manager to find a way of getting these wonderful players to gel.

Drawing the best out of players like Benteke and Hazard will be easier once Wilmots finds that formula. But for the time being, while his openly critical stance may be a motivational tool, perhaps he should be looking at his own role before blasting his players in public.