Retired winger Eden Hazard played for the Chelsea Legends against Liverpool Legends last weekend, and he received praise from an opposition player for his performance.
Last Saturday, Chelsea Legends suffered a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool Legends at Stamford Bridge in a charity match, with funds going to the Chelsea Foundation.
The Chelsea Legends starting XI: Petr Cech, Gary Cahill, William Gallas, John Terry, Ramires, John Obi Mikel, Claude Makelele, Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou, Eden Hazard, Diego Costa
Eden Hazard, who retired in 2023, cemented himself as a Blues icon for his time in West London between 2012 and 2019. It was great to see the 34-year-old Belgian star put on the Chelsea shirt again, albeit in a charity game.
Pat Nevin suggests Estevao Willian can reach Hazard’s status as a Chelsea great, so no pressure on the 18-year-old rising star.
Eden Hazard dribbles away from Raheem Sterling during Chelsea Legends against Liverpool Legends at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jermaine Pennant delivers verdict on Eden Hazard display in charity fixture
Jermaine Pennant, who played for the Liverpool Legends team last weekend, claimed that Hazard could still play if he had a proper pre-season.
Speaking on the Wildcards Podcast, Pennant said: “First half it was like, boy, where is Hazard? Is this Hazard’s cousin? Where’s Eden? Where is he?”
“But second half, he kind of showed up. He was chopping me left, right, and centre. He’d obviously lost a few yards and gained a few pounds, but you could see, you know, if he really put his head down and had a good pre-season, he could still do a bit.”
Even though he’s still only 34, Hazard retired over two years ago after a frustrating spell at Real Madrid. He still reached such a high level with Chelsea, Lille and the Belgian national side throughout his career that his name is etched into the history books.
It was interesting to see him face Liverpool, who are a team that he tormented during his playing career.
Matches Goals Assists Wins Draws Losses
18 7 2 6 8 4
Eden Hazard’s career record vs Liverpool via Transfermarkt
Hazard, who’s been nominated for the Premier League Hall of Fame, is one of the most talented individuals to grace England’s top division. Perhaps the attacker could have reached even greater heights with just a bit more drive to go with the natural ability.
Even though Hazard wasn’t the greatest trainer, he could turn a switch on a matchday.
Eden Hazard attempts a rabona effort during Chelsea Legends against Liverpool Legends at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
What Eden Hazard said about Chelsea last weekend
It will delight all Blues supporters to hear Hazard speak so glowingly about his former club. In fact, his five children all support Chelsea.
Hazard said via Chelsea’s official website: “I think I can still play a bit. It’s been two years since I stopped, but it’s always good to be back here at the Bridge with all the fans. I miss playing football in a big stadium like this but I play in the garden with my kids so it’s okay. I have five and they’re all Chelsea fans.”
In terms of club legends, he certainly sits at the top table because he was the complete package as an attacker.