Eden Hazard: Can Chelsea winger take the next step to greatness?

Last Updated: 05/08/15 1:20pm

 
 

Can Eden Hazard emulate Cristiano Ronaldo under Jose Mourinho?

Eden Hazard has the potential for greatness but what will that look like under Jose Mourinho? Adam Bate previews another big season for the Premier League player of the year...

“There are no two words in the English language more harmful than ‘good job’. I was there to push people beyond what's expected of them. I believe that is an absolute necessity.” - Terence Fletcher, Whiplash (2014)

It’s not just Hollywood cinema that produces characters willing to drive talented youngsters on towards greatness. It’s been fascinating to follow Jose Mourinho’s attempts to coax the very best from Eden Hazard in their two seasons together at Stamford Bridge.

There were challenging moments in that first year. When Hazard lost his passport on an unauthorised overseas trip, Mourinho let it be known that “the apology was not accepted” and stressed that “the group is always more important than any player” at his Chelsea.

Mourinho and Hazard have had their moments during two years working together

Champions League elimination later tested the relationship further with Hazard claiming Chelsea were “not set up to play football” before Mourinho responded that the player was “not ready to sacrifice himself 100 per cent for the team” after failing in his defensive duty.

Second time around, things went more smoothly en route to the Premier League title. And like the family member fond of criticising his relatives only to become fiercely protective when others join in, Mourinho has taken on the role of Hazard’s arch-protector.

“In the Premier League last season Eden was very lucky not to break a leg,” said Mourinho on the eve of the new season. “I would like more protection for him.” His concerns were not without substance. Hazard was the most fouled player in the Premier League in 2014/15.