How would Eden Hazard improve Real Madrid?

Eden Hazard has made a superb start to the season under new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.

He’s leading the Premier League scoring charts with seven goals already. But he’s hinted his long-term future may not be at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgium international has admitted he’s dreamed of playing for Real Madrid since he was a kid. We’ve shortened the chances of him signing for the Spanish giants to just 4/6.

The European champions have gone four games without winning or even scoring a goal. They’re now back at seventh in the Champions League betting at 9/1. We’ve taken a look at how Hazard could spark them back into life.

Ronaldo replacement

Real Madrid lost their main goalscorer when Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus in the summer. Hazard isn’t going to produce Ronaldo’s incredible numbers in front of goal – who would? – but he can help to bring a fear factor back to Madrid’s attacking play.

Marco Asensio has taken Ronaldo’s old spot on the left flank for now. The talented midfielder can pull off the spectacular, but he’s not at Hazard’s level yet.

There are few better dribblers in the world than the Blues favourite. The ball seems to stick to his feet as he glides past defenders. He’s a slick passer and very calm when given an opening too.

Teams tend to double up against the 27-year-old, which would open up space for Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and the rest.

Raise his game

Hazard would improve Madrid’s starting XI, but moving to Spain may take his own game to another level too.

He might be even better suited to the pace of the game in La Liga, where he should have more space to exploit.

It’s almost become a running joke, but he’s seemed to have a year on, then a year off over the last few seasons.

A switch could help him to play at his best more consistently. At Chelsea, if he’s not on it then the team finds it hard to get going. But he’d be one star amongst a galaxy of them at the Bernabeu.

There’s huge pressure to succeed at Madrid, but there’d be less of a burden on his own shoulders. The load would be shared around.

Any move is unlikely to happen until next summer at the earliest. But if Hazard keeps his current form up, talk of a big move will only continue.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication