ROBERTO MARTINEZ LAUDED Belgium star Eden Hazard as a player who makes football “a beautiful sport” and applauded his influence as captain.
Hazard has enjoyed a strong World Cup for Belgium so far, scoring two and assisting as many from just three matches.
His form has helped Belgium reach the last eight where they meet tournament favourites Brazil in Kazan on Friday.
Advertisement
But one element of his performances that many may not necessarily notice is his influence as a leader, and that is the side of his game that Martinez is particularly impressed with since getting to Russia.
“He’s been a real captain, a real leader and someone who’s always been himself,” Martinez told reporters at the Kazan Arena on Thursday.
“What you love about his temperament is that whatever the score, opponent, moment, he’s always available to get the ball and be decisive.
“His level of the play has been the highest, he’s been decisive in attack, a leader in what the group needs to achieve.
“We are a team and in international football that [being a team] is difficult. He’s played a massive part as captain of this group.
“You see a lot of the captain through the team. When you see Hazard enjoying his football, he makes it a beautiful sport, he puts a smile on the face.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Hazard makes football beautiful, swoons Martinez
ROBERTO MARTINEZ LAUDED Belgium star Eden Hazard as a player who makes football “a beautiful sport” and applauded his influence as captain.
Hazard has enjoyed a strong World Cup for Belgium so far, scoring two and assisting as many from just three matches.
His form has helped Belgium reach the last eight where they meet tournament favourites Brazil in Kazan on Friday.
But one element of his performances that many may not necessarily notice is his influence as a leader, and that is the side of his game that Martinez is particularly impressed with since getting to Russia.
“He’s been a real captain, a real leader and someone who’s always been himself,” Martinez told reporters at the Kazan Arena on Thursday.
“What you love about his temperament is that whatever the score, opponent, moment, he’s always available to get the ball and be decisive.
“His level of the play has been the highest, he’s been decisive in attack, a leader in what the group needs to achieve.
“We are a team and in international football that [being a team] is difficult. He’s played a massive part as captain of this group.
“You see a lot of the captain through the team. When you see Hazard enjoying his football, he makes it a beautiful sport, he puts a smile on the face.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
‘He’s come from an unbelievable level so it’s really exciting to have him’
Southgate: England must make the most of World Cup draw
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
2018 World Cup Belgium Brazil Eden Hazard FIFA World Cup Football heart eyes emoji Neymar Roberto Martínez Montoliú Russia 2018 World Cup