Football fans around the world have been eagerly waiting to see Eden Hazard in action for Real Madrid. However, the Belgian has been plagued by injuries since his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.
While there have been glimpses of his brilliance on the field, he has not been able to play consistently for Los Blancos. So, why is Hazard not playing for Madrid? Let’s take a closer look.
Injury Woes
One of the primary reasons for Hazard’s absence from the Madrid lineup has been his injury woes. The former Chelsea star suffered a hamstring injury in early December 2019 and was ruled out for nearly two months.
He returned to action in February 2020 but was forced off during a Champions League game against Manchester City with an ankle injury. This injury kept him out of action for another few months.
To add insult to injury, Hazard suffered yet another setback during pre-season training ahead of the 2020/21 campaign. This time it was a muscle injury that kept him out of action until late November 2020.
Adapting to Zidane’s System
Another reason why Hazard has struggled to make an impact at Madrid is that he has yet to adapt fully to Zinedine Zidane’s system. The French coach demands a lot from his players defensively, and this is an area where Hazard has traditionally struggled.
Moreover, Zidane prefers a more direct style of play with quick counter-attacks and fast transitions. This is not necessarily Hazard’s preferred style as he likes to hold onto the ball and dribble past defenders.
The Pressure of Expectation
Finally, there is also the pressure of expectation that comes with being a Galactico at Real Madrid. The club has a storied history and expects nothing but greatness from its star players.
Hazard arrived at Madrid as one of the best players in the world, but he has yet to live up to that billing. He has been criticized by fans and pundits alike for his lack of impact on the field and for not being able to justify his transfer fee.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, there are several reasons why Eden Hazard has not been able to play consistently for Real Madrid. Injuries have played a significant role, but there are also issues with adapting to Zidane’s system and the pressure of expectation that comes with playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
While some may be quick to write off Hazard’s Madrid career as a failure, it is important to remember that he is still one of the most talented players in the world. With time and patience, he may yet prove all his doubters wrong and become a success at Los Blancos.