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Hazard is undoubtedly one of the stars of the
tournament in Russia and at 27-years-old, wearing the captain’s
armband, at the peak of his powers.
But there is always a nagging doubt that when the going gets
tough, the attacking midfielder might once again prove
anonymous.
It happened at the last World Cup in Brazil and two years ago at
the European Championship when Belgium's 'golden generation'
stood on the brink of delivering on their potential but then
imploded.
In the 2014 quarter-final against Argentina he drifted out of
the game and was replaced after 75 ineffective minutes as Lionel
Messi won their head-to-head in a 1-0 Argentina victory.
Two years later, the stage was set for him to lead Belgium past
outsiders Wales in the Euro quarter-finals but, in the face of
determined defending, he faded when it mattered most and drifted
out of the game with a shock 3-1 loss.
Hazard is admired for his attacking flair, ability to run at
defenses and finishing but it is his maverick genius that sets
him apart.
"Ice baths, massages, he doesn’t really do all that stuff," team
mate Marouane Fellaini in a recent TV documentary over Hazard.
Michy Batshuayi told of his amazement when Hazard went to the
Chelsea gym for the first time -- four years after he first
signed for the club.
"I told him recently that he must thank God for the talent he
has been given. He answered, 'Maybe I should thank him a
little’," recalled former club mate Demba Ba.
It all comes easy to Hazard, rarely bothered by the pressure and
expectation. That supposed indifference was often a cause of
irritation for managers like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
But Belgium see what he is capable of and have placed their
faith firmly in him.
"He’s a not a natural leader like Kompany but rather a leader
who shows through example on the field," fullback Thomas Meunier
said last month.
"He’s got extraordinary qualities, does things other players
cannot. And you don’t just run him over. He’s very strong on his
feet so it’s difficult to take the ball off him. I think he’s
the complete player."
Ominously for Brazil, his team mates believe Hazard is in the
form of his life and ready to deliver.
"I’ve known him for years and the way he has trained and played
over the last weeks has been exceptional,” said goalkeeper
Thibault Courtois, who is also at Chelsea, this week. "I think
he can reach another level."
(Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
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