One of the highlights of the Belgian national team which eliminated Brazil in the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup, Eden Hazard remains the number 10 shirt – he is also the captain – of the team, but he is no longer the same. The analysis comes from the player himself.
In an interview with French newspaper ‘L’Equipe’, the Real Madrid athlete admitted that he did not reach the Qatar World Cup at the same level as four years ago.
Eden Hazard says he suffered a lot during this time – and not just with injuries. The midfielder said he was suffering mentally as well and felt that such a situation would affect his performance on the pitch.
“I no longer have the same level I had in 2018. I don’t let it show, but I suffered a lot mentally and physically. I’m not ashamed to say it. In 2018, I was maybe -to be among the ten best players in the world”, pondered the Belgian midfielder.
For Hazard, the World Cup in Qatar is an opportunity to improve the image. Injuries aside, the midfielder has usually been an option on the bench for Real Madrid, appearing in a few games in recent seasons.
“I kept the same technique, but I lost confidence. […] I hope my image will be better after the World Cup. I want to play great games after years of struggle.”
Belgium are in Group F of the World Cup, alongside Croatia, Morocco and Canada. The debut is against the Canadians next Wednesday (23), at 4 p.m. (Brasilia time).
(PRESS SHEET)
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