Always seen as an incredibly talented player, the 2015-16 season was anything but kind to Eden Hazard, who struggled to find form at Chelsea under both José Mourinho and Guus Hiddink.
The arrival of Antonio Conte, however, changed everything for the Belgian forward, who is now back to his best at Stamford Bridge, and has been one of the key reasons the Blues are currently walking towards a Premier League title.
Currently at Marseille after a stint in charge of Roma, the French manager was instrumental in Hazard’s rise as a footballer, and the pair won an unlikely Ligue 1 back in 2012, which eventually led to the Belgium international transferring to Chelsea that same summer.
Asked by Le Journal du Dimanche who was the most talented player he’d ever managed, Garcia said: “When I arrived in Rome in 2013, I needed to know if Francesco Totti was still hungry. Despite his age, he quickly reassured me. He’s a great champion, humble and intelligent, and that’s before talking about him with the ball in his feet, his touch.
“I also don’t forget Eden Hazard, who I accompanied from him being 17 years old until his exit to Chelsea. He’s currently one of the best out there.”
A ringing endorsement for a player who, in the right conditions, can change the outcome of a game by himself.
The sign of a great player, without a doubt.
