Chelsea’s Eden Hazard still lacks the consistency of the world’s best

Eden Hazard had a hot start to this season. Then things went cold. What’s a fair standard or expectation to have for the Belgian international?

Eden Hazard earned the Player of the Year award in Chelsea’s title-winning season. His impressive form, consistent attitude and effort made him the hands-down winner.

The entire season he was no doubt the first name on the team sheet. He led the Premier League with 113 fouls suffered and chances created (99). He succeeded in 65% of his take-ons.

He was everything Chelsea and the supporters could have hoped for, and was ready to take the final step to be in the highest bracket of world class superstars.

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The following year saw a dip in form from the entire squad, with all due respect to Caesar Azpilicueta and Willian. Following the year in which he was kicked and kicked and suffered more fouls than any other opponent in the Premier League, the Belgian had a sore start.

Chelsea struggled along with Hazard. He came alive for Belgium during international breaks, scoring 4 goals in 4 matches in Euro 2016 qualifiers. He would need the rest of the Premier League season matches to score four goals.

Rumors floated that he was injured for a portion of the season, not including the 7 matches he missed. And that may be true, but it was not the case in the beginning of the season as evident by his International Break play. It also was not so at the end of the season when Jose Mourinho was already gone.

The Belgian began to shine once again. Even though Hazard’s take-on percentage was the only secondary performance statistic to decrease significantly, the eye test was all anybody needed. He was not the same player.

Hazard gives his critics ammunition when they accuse him of picking and choosing which matches he’ll show up for, and when he is not to be bother. This season he appeared to pick up where he left off at the end of last season.

He started off impressively against West Ham, Watford, and Burnley. He followed those by a poor showing in the Swansea match, and ineffectiveness against Liverpool. He then performed an amazing vanishing act in the embarrassment that was the Arsenal match.

It’s unreasonable to expect great matches from him, week in and week out. But in the Arsenal match he would pass off to a teammate then stay planted up against the sideline. He was caught not tracking back on numerous occasions, one resulting in a Gunners’ goal.

Hazard’s apologists will defend him by saying he is still consistently out performing those on his team. And that may be true, but Eden Hazard lives against higher expectations and standards than, for example, Willian. The wondrous Belgian has no limits. At his best, he is unstoppable.

Eden Hazard makes life difficult for those around him by making a guessing game out of his mental toughness. Does he have what it takes for another Player of the Year performance, or will Chelsea be stuck with the sluggish Hazard?

Eden the Magician occasional disappearing act from the last 14 months might be a growing trend with few leaders around to correct it. Too many times players shut it off and pack up shop when the match is not going their way. Nearly the whole club switched off last year, and the risk remains this year after the recent run.

Eden Hazard can be the first to reverse that trend and lead by example. If those just collecting a check are not willing to give their heart, the homegrown youth will.

Next: Gary Cahill aims to recover form with England

Last year most fans agreed with Chelsea’s management’s decision to sack the coach and keep the players. After all, they did win a title the year before. If the players decide to not play for this manager, his style and demands, it is their turn to leave.