Jean-Pierre Papin: Eden Hazard is ‘Extraordinary’

Former French international Jean-Pierre Papin believes that Lille’s Eden Hazard can become one of the top players in European football.

According to La Derniere Heure, Papin said:

“Eden Hazard is simply an extraordinary player. He can do things with the ball at his feet that very few others can replicate.”

“If he continues to develop like this, he will follow in the footsteps of players like Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.

“He’s such a great talent and a joy to watch for the fans. Supporters come to the stadiums to see players like him in action.”

The 20-year-old Belgian winger has been a first-team regular for Lille OSC since the 2008-09 season after making his club debut in 2007-08.

It would be a cliche to say that Hazard has improved every season with the club, but the cliche is definitely true in Hazard’s case.

In 2007-08, the Belgian starlet appeared in just four games for the club, albeit he was a 16-year-old. But he obviously impressed the coaching staff enough to win the starting job in 2008-09.

Hazard did not disappoint in his first season as a full-time footballer. He appeared in 35 games in 2008-09, bagging six goals and three assists.

After a fantastic season, Hazard was named the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP) Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year.

Hazard debuted for the Belgian national team on 18 November 2008 as a substitute against Luxemborg. He was just 17 when he received his first cap for Belgium’s senior team.

After being dubbed the next big thing in European football, Hazard was linked to many of Europe’s biggest clubs in the 2009 transfer window. The likes of Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Inter Milan were all reportedly keen on signing the Lille OSC starlet.

Despite the many transfer rumours, Hazard remained with Lille. He continued his development and enjoyed a brilliant 2009-10 season, appearing in 52 games and tallying ten goals and nine assists.

Hazard’s marvelous campaign earned him his second consecutive UNFP Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award. Eden was also named to the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year and nominated for the UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year award.

One great season deserves another. Hazard continued his fine form in 2010-11, leading Lille OSC to the Ligue 1 title.

Once again, Hazard appeared in 52 games for the club, but this time he managed to bag 12 goals and ten assists.

Hazard took home the UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year award and was also named to the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year for the second consecutive season.

The Belgian winger has gotten off to a flying start in 2011-12. He has already scored five goals and provided four assists in just 12 games, surely on his way to another award-winning campaign.

It’s just a matter of time before one of Europe’s biggest clubs cough up a ton of money to sign Hazard.