Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea news: Eden Hazard told to do one thing if he joins Real Madrid
CHELSEA star Eden Hazard must shine in the Champions League if he completes his dream move to Real Madrid.
Those are the thoughts of former Arsenal striker and Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas.
Hazard has revealed it has been an aim of his since he was a child to play for Real Madrid one day.
The Chelsea man’s current contract expires in the summer of 2020 and he is torn over whether to sign an extension.
Hazard’s form this season has seen many label him the best in the Premier League and one of the best across Europe.
He's got to do it back in the Champions League. Whether that's at Chelsea or Real Madrid is another story
But Nicholas wants to see him do it in the Champions League, a competition Real have won for three seasons in a row.
“He's got to do it in the Champions League, simple as that,” Nicholas said.
“He's got bits and pieces on the biggest stage but nothing consistent.
“He's magnificent technically, he's the best footballer in the Premier League and the most exciting.
“But he goes from fabulous to average in alternate seasons so he's got to do it back in the Champions League.
“Whether that's at Chelsea or Real Madrid is another story.”
Eden Hazard has scored seven goals in his first eight Premier League games this term.
And Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier says he must continue in this scoring vein for several years to be compared to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Hazard is head and shoulders above everyone in the league so far this season,” Le Tissier said.
“I saw him at Southampton when he didn't have his best game but was still a huge danger every time he got the ball.
“He just needs to put two or three seasons together of getting 20 goals, while still contributing in the other ways he does, then he will be getting somewhere near Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in that top bracket.”
Hazard and Chelsea are back in Premier League action this Saturday when Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge (12.30pm).