Real Madrid planning new role for Eden Hazard
Cameron Smith
- 21 Jul 2022 17:32 BST
- 3 min read
Eden Hazard could be set for a new role at Real Madrid for the 2022-23 season as Carlo Ancelotti tries to spark a rejuvenation for the Belgium international.
Hazard, 31, joined Los Blancos in 2019 after seven successful years at Chelsea, but he's been plagued with injury problems ever since he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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A lack of fitness and the form of other forwards, most notably Vinicius Jr, has seen Hazard demoted to a back-up option, featuring from the start just seven times in the Spanish top flight last season.
In fact, he has suffered 16 separate injuries at Real Madrid, which total up to 72 games missed through injury or illness.
Hazard underwent surgery to remove the osteosynthesis plate in his right fibula in early 2021, but reports from Spain detailed that upon returning from that set-back, he looked fresher.
And, it's now been reported by Anton Meana, via Madrid Xtra, that Hazard is set to be given a new role in the Real Madrid team by head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
A new role for Hazard
Hazard has reportedly been tested as a false number nine in Los Blancos' pre-season training sessions, potentially with an eye on making him the back-up option to Karim Benzema.
Real Madrid missed out on long-term target Kylian Mbappe earlier this summer, while Rafael Leao and Serge Gnabry, both linked with a move, won't be joining.
Luka Jovic, Benzema's back-up last season, has joined Fiorentina on a free transfer after Real Madrid agreed to terminate his contract at the club. As a result, Mariano Diaz is currently the only other senior striker in the squad.
Hazard has therefore been trialled through the middle, with the potential of featuring there this season.
With competition high for a spot at left-wing, playing as a false nine may be Hazard's best shot at regular minutes in the 2022-23 campaign.
