Eden Hazard’s move to Chelsea shows power of Europe’s top prize

Sharethematch.com takes a look at Eden Hazard's decision to join Chelsea ahead of Manchester City and Manchester United

Comments

By Share The Match Tuesday 29 May 2012, 11:00 UK

Roberto Di Matteo has led Chelsea to Champions League and FA Cup glory this seasonPhoto: TSR

roberto di matteo

It’s all about the Champions League – and actually winning it

If the reports are correct and Eden Hazard has indeed joined Chelsea, then that highlights the overwhelming power of the Champions League – and actually winning it.

Had Chelsea not beaten Bayern Munich on penalties would have Hazard made the switch to the Blues? That’s hard to say but that not happening has certainly helped.

For all their Premier League titles, Manchester United, and wealth and one Premier League title, Manchester City, success in Europe rules and is far more attractive for a foreign player.

Both Manchester clubs struggled in Europe this season, not just the Champions League but the Europa League too, and that sends out a statement.

There was plenty of drama in Manchester City’s title win but the underdog nature of Chelsea’s Champions League win captured the imagination – and it seems it caught Hazard’s, too.

Young could leave Rooney benched

Without Wayne Rooney for England’s opening two matches, Roy Hodgson will be without his Plan A, but with Ashley Young fresh from injury and in promising form, he may have stumbled upon his Plan B.

The Manchester United winger gave new Three Lions manager a winning start in Oslo on Saturday night, and Steven Gerrard is the latest England old boy to extol the virtues of Young, who has now scored four goals in his last four international appearances.

In a largely unimpressive display, where England restricted the hosts, Young emerged as the man to fill the Rooney void for the France and Sweden clashes.

Capello spent two years searching for a young gun to fire England to success: Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll have all been tried and tested.

But it is Young who has come out the best of the next generation. Hodgson needs players who can score something out of nothing, and Young can deliver.

For example, his excellent strikes from well outside the box against Arsenal in the 8-2 annihilation at Old Trafford and his match-winning terrific hit away to Tottenham.

The 26-year-old caused mayhem versus Norway, and his constant running from deep positions was a frequent problem which the home side failed to solve.

He is arguably better in some regards than Rooney in the number 10 role just behind Carroll. He has a better strike, is much quicker, and is in far better form. Plus, having spent lengthy spells on the sidelines, he is very much fresh for the Euro 2012 tournament – as are most of the England players.

This bodes well for England, and if Young can maintain his scoring touch with a resurgent Carroll to link-up with, Rooney may find himself sweating on the bench.