Real Madrid have moved away from their Galactico-style signings in recent years and concentrated more on bringing in players who will not only keep the team competitive right now but also a decade down the line. That is why we are seeing them being linked with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Josko Gvardiol, Dusan Vlahovic and several others.

One of the key reasons behind them moving away from their Galactico policy might be how some of their big signings turned out in recent years. There is no better example in that regard than Eden Hazard.

There was a lot of excitement around the signing of Hazard at the time. The Belgian had established himself as a Chelsea legend and one of the greatest players in Premier League history during his seven years at Stamford Bridge. He was also in the middle of his prime at that point. Thus, it felt like Real Madrid had pulled off a major coup.

Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan. Since then, Hazard has struggled with one injury after another, and has never been able to establish himself as a starter at Real Madrid. These days, it is a rare sight to even see him come off the bench.

Former teammate calls Real Madrid star ‘the laziest footballer’

As reported by the Daily Star, John Obi Mikel told radio programme Dubai Eye 103.8:

“Oh, he [Hazard] never trained.

“He was the laziest footballer I’ve ever seen in my life! But come the weekend he produced. He was the man of the match.”

The former Chelsea star further continued about Hazard:

“We just let him do whatever he wanted in training. He stood there, when the training started. He plays in one position. He was like, ‘Can you pass me the ball?’”

Mikel spent over a decade at Chelsea. And he was at the club during Hazard’s first four-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge.

Whatever Hazard was doing, was clearly working back then. He was absolutely tremendous in a Chelsea shirt and one of the best players on the planet without a shadow of a doubt.

Things have not gone his way since moving to the Spanish capital though. He last played in La Liga back in September of last year. And it feels like he will be on his way out of the club in the summer.

Source: therealchamps.com