Collin: Hazard must improve

Chelsea winger Eden Hazard needs to work on the defensive side of his game, according to Belgian FA vice-president Philippe Collin.

Despite his tender age, Hazard has represented Belgium 29 times, but in order to reach his full potential, Collin said he needed to improve his all-round game.

“He has technique, explosiveness and positioning. At some point he will have to work on defending, and he has no choice with that,” he told Nieuwsblad.

“But I have confidence that (Belgium coach) Marc Wilmots will occasionally give him a kick up his arse.

“The learning process is slow but good. If (Lionel) Messi should work for the team and defend, then I see no reason why Hazard should not do likewise.”

There were some words of encouragement for the 21-year-old, though, with international team-mate Vincent Kompany impressed with how quickly Hazard has settled in the English Premier League.

The Manchester City captain said Hazard still had a lot of improvement despite his strong start in the top flight.

“People always talk about how difficult it is to adapt to the Premier League because it is physical and quick,” Kompany told reporters.

“It just takes some time usually so it’s remarkable for him to show so much in such little space.

“Players like Eden only make our team stronger which is a good thing and the crazy thing is I still think he has much room to progress.”

Hazard was linked with a move to City throughout the transfer window, but the talented playmaker opted to join Chelsea instead.

Kompany believes that as long as he keeps up his form up at his new club, that can only benefit the national side in the future.

“I wish him the best. If he does well for his club and if it is the club which is best for him, then I know he will do well for the national team and that’s the most important thing for me,” he said.