Marco Van Ginkel will not go down in the history books at Chelsea, however was back in the news again when he made the decision to retire from football at 33 years of age.
Reece James led the tributes to Van Ginkel from current and former Blues players to a career which only really got going away from Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder was often compared to Frank Lampard in his early days at the club, although it became clear he was not going to get close to those levels.
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He has featured alongside a number of top players despite only making four appearances for Chelsea. After joining in 2013, he didn’t officially leave until 2021.
Vitesse v Sparta Rotterdam - Dutch Eredivisie
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Marco Van Ginkel picks Eden Hazard over Virgil van Dijk
In that era, arguably the club’s best player was Eden Hazard, and the Dutchman has reflected this when ranking players he has featured alongside in his career.
Van Ginkel stated in a TikTok for ESPN NL that he would select Hazard over Virgil van Dijk, who he would have played with across his eight caps for Netherlands.
The Belgian also ranked higher than former Blues Kevin de Bruyne and Arjen Robben, as well as Robin Van Persie and Wesley Sneijder.
It is not uncommon for former Chelsea players to speak very highly of Hazard. Diego Costa recently stated he could’ve been better than Lionel Messi.
Eden Hazard celebrates goal during Manchester City v Chelsea
Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Hazard very interested in what’s happening at Chelsea
Despite leaving Chelsea seven years ago, it has not taken away from the interest levels Hazard has in his former side.
Hazard told Cesc Fabregas to take the job as Chelsea manager after the exit of Enzo Maresca, however he is earning his stripes in a very impressive way at Como.
The former Blues winger is very aware of the current squad, and is a big fan of Moises Caicedo, despite his most recent performance.
Caicedo struggled greatly in midfield against Leeds, and is actually in a bit of a rut when it comes to his own high standards.
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