Eden Hazard

• Squad No: 26
• Position: Midfielder/Attacking/Winger
• Age: 21
• Birth Date: Jan 7, 1991
• Birth Place: La Louviere, Belgium
• Height: 1.70m
• Weight: 56 kg 

Eden Hazard's rise over the past couple of years has been meteoric, with the Belgian starlet undergoing a remarkable transformation from precocious Lille youngster to Ligue 1 sensation and one of the most sought after players in Europe. The fleet-footed attacking midfielder/winger has drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but perhaps the greatest compliment has been the willingness of the Belgian press to proclaim that Hazard has what it takes to fill the enormous boots left by the legendary Enzo Schifo.

Born into a footballing family, Hazard's youth career took in Belgian sides Royal Stade Brainois and Tubize before he settled at Lille as a 14-year-old in 2005. Two years later, and the teenage prodigy had made his debut in the French top flight, going on to make a handful of substitute appearances in the 2007-08 season. The following campaign was a real breakthrough year though, as he went from impact sub to first-team talisman in the space of a few months - with his sparkling performances earning him an international debut for Belgium and the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year Award.

The plaudits continued to roll in last season and Hazard was tied down to a new four-year contract with Lille in an attempt to stave off interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs. With five league goals and eight assists, Hazard became his side's creator-in-chief and his influential displays, coupled with Europa League goals against Genoa, Gent and a winner against Liverpool, saw his reputation continue to grow around the continent.

Hazard's start to the 2010-11 campaign was a troubled one as he was publicly criticised by Belgium national team coach Georges Leekens, who accused him of being lazy in training, and he was also dropped by Lille coach Rudi Garcia. He didn't start a league game for Lille until November but has now re-established himself as an integral member of the first-team, causing a number of Europe's big clubs to show an interest, with Arsenal thought to be leading the race for his signature.

Strengths: A defender's nightmare, Hazard can dribble at pace and, like Lionel Messi, he is 5ft 7in and has a low centre of gravity that helps him breeze past opposition players. He has an eye for the spectacular and has scored some memorable solo efforts.

Weaknesses: Hazard's work-rate has questioned by his club and national team bosses, so much so that Lille coach Rudi Garcia dropped him earlier this season in a bid to spark him back into life. His strike-rate is also somewhat erratic and while he creates plenty of goals for others, he must start to score more himself.

Career high: Becoming the first non-French player to win the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year Award in 2008-09, before achieving something that the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry never managed by winning it again in 2009-10.

Career low: Suffering penalty heartache at the hands of Spain in the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship . Hazard's Belgium were hosting the tournament but went crashing out in the semi-finals after losing a shootout to a Bojan Krkic-inspired Spain side.

Style: A fearless, explosive attacking midfielder who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble.

Quotes: "Eden is technically gifted and very fast. I would take him to Real Madrid with my eyes closed. He can become a great footballer, he is a star of the future." France legend Zinedine Zidane gives Hazard a ringing endorsement.

Trivia: Both of Hazard's parents, Thierry and Carine were both footballers in Belgium and his younger brother Thorgan is on the books of Lille's arch-rivals Lens. 

Youth Carrer:
1995–2003 Royal Stade Brainois
2003–2005 Tubize
2005–2007 Lille

Senior Carrer:
2007 - ......  Lille

Leonardo denies PSG talks with Higuain and Kaka

Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo has dismissed reports that club president Nasser Al Khelaifi has held talks with Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain.

But he did admit that the Ligue 1 outfit are hoping to sign the latter.

The Parisian club's star man Javier Pastore has already claimed that Higuain is considering moving to the French capital, while it has also been claimed that the Argentine has already met with Al Khelaifi.

Leonardo insists that there is no truth in that particular rumour, or indeed the speculation that Higuain's Real Madrid team-mate Kaka has also been approached.

"Nasser has never met Kaka or Higuain," the former AC Milan and Inter boss told reporters on Friday. "The story was written as if it were a truth, but Nasser has never met these players, and nor has anyone else at the club.

"Today, we are in discussions. Not only with Higuain, but in the global market. You can talk with 15,000 players and do nothing."

Indeed, Leonardo admitted that when it comes to their interest in luring Higuain to the Parc des Princes, everything hinges on his current employers.

"If Real Madrid decide not to sell him, he will not even be on the market," he said. "He has a clause of 150 million euros, so what should we do? Pay that?!"

Leonardo added that the club's current focus is on their Ligue 1 title challenge and that they will not start making moves in the transfer market until next month. However, he did all but confirm that the Qatari-owned club intend to spend big again this summer.

"It's not yet time to go into detail," he said. "The market opens on June 13. The truth begins on that date.

"Before then all we can say is that PSG must make a leap in quality, and that includes in a sporting sense."

The capital club are currently second in the French top flight, three points behind leaders Montpellier with two rounds of the season remaining.

Ancelotti keen to make move for Pato

koclokindoblog, 12 Mei 2012, Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that his side will try to lure Alexandre Pato away from AC Milan in the summer.

The ambitious French club failed to wrap up a deal for Pato in January, with Ancelotti stating on several occasions that they would try again at the end of the season.

"We already talked about Pato in January, I think that it will happen again in June," Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia.

The Italian coach paid tribute to Milan trio Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Filippo Inzaghi, who will all leave San Siro at the end of the season.

"I feel sad because these are players who have had great careers at Milan," he said.

"But life goes on and I am sure that other doors will open for them."

Massimiliano Allegri is about to enter his third year in charge of the Rossoneri, and Ancelotti praised the conditions that Milan have always offered to their coaches.

"I think it is more exhausting to coach other sides than Milan, who are a great club," the 52-year-old said.

"The atmosphere at Milan is ideal to work at the highest level. It is better than at any other club."

Clichy tempted by PSG move

koclokindoblog, 12 Mei 2012, Manchester City left-back Gael Clichy has revealed his desire to move to Paris Saint-Germain in the future.

Since joining Roberto Mancini's side last summer, the 26-year-old has gone on to become one of the Premier League's top defenders.

But the former Arsenal man has since confessed his desire to one day return back home to his roots, and turn out for the French capital club.

"I'm not going to hide it. Like I've said, Paris is the club of my heart," Clichy told Surface magazine.

"To say that I want to play for PSG is another thing, but as they say: football goes very quickly, and we don't know what the future holds for us.

"It's certain that the PSG kit is magical. I'd like to discover my own country's league."

Clichy has enjoyed a superb campaign for City so far this term, making 33 appearances in the league, and 44 across all competitions, establishing himself ahead of rival Aleksandar Kolarov in the pecking order.

The left-back will now be hoping for more exposure on the international set-up, with Manchester United's Patrice Evra currently seen as France manager Laurent Blanc's preferred choice.

 

Bayern Sedang Dekati Topskorer Liga Prancis

koclokindoblog, 10 Mei 2012, Montpellier - Penyerang Montpellier, Olivier Giroud, sedang naik daun di Liga Prancis saat ini dan memimpin daftar topskorer sementara. Berkat performanya itu, Giroud mengaku kini tengah didekati raksasa Jerman, Bayern Munich.

Giroud dan Montpellier adalah fenomena Liga Prancis musim ini. Dengan musim menyisakan dua laga lagi, Montpellier yang tak diunggulkan sejak awal musim kini ada di puncak klasemen dengan unggul dua poin dari klub kaya Paris St Germain.

Giroud bersama Younes Belhada dan Mathieu Deplagne adalah pilar kesuksesan tim asuhan Rene Girard itu. Terkhusus Giroud dia adalah mesin gol Montpellier dengan 21 gol sejauh ini.

Jumlah yang membuatnya kini memuncaki daftar topskorer, mengungguli Nene (Paris St Germain) dengan 18 gol serta Eden Hazard (Lille) dengan 17 gol. Maka wajar jika Giroud mulai dihubung-hubungkan dengan klub besar Eropa.

Salah satunya adalah Bayern yang memang tengah mendekati si pemain dan sudah dikonfirmasi langsung oleh Giroud.

"Bayern Munich adalah klub yang paling fokus terkait pengalaman mempunyai pemain Prancis di sana," tukas Giroud kepada Bild.

"Aku belum berbicara langsung dengan mereka, tapi agenku sudah. Kebanyakan pemain mengatakan bagaimana mereka disambut secara hangat di sana dan bagaimana mereka bahagia bermain di sana," sambungnya.

Giroud menyebut jika sosok Franck Ribery adalah yang "merayunya" untuk merumput bersama dirinya di Allianz Arena.

"Aku sudah berbicara sedikit dengan Ribery soal Bundesliga. Kami berbicara soal fans yang fantastis, stadion yang selalu penuh dan kehidupan yang hebat di Germany. Dan tentunya bagaimana Bundesliga memanjakan para striker sejak mereka memainkan sepakbola menyerang di sana," tuntas Giroud.

Deschamps: Future not in my hands

koclokindoblog, 9 Mei 2012, Marseille coach Didier Deschamps says he wants to coach the Ligue 1 outfit next season but concedes the decision does not rest with him.

The former France midfielder has been in charge of the French giants since 2009, when he lifted the Ligue 1 title in his maiden season as coach of the club.

But 2011/12 proved disappointing for the team, despite a Coupe de la Ligue title, with Deschamps' side set to finish mid-table in the league.

The lacklustre results have fuelled speculation about a possible exit for Deschamps, but the former Juventus coach said his future will be decided by the club's powerbrokers.

"I am employed here. It will be left in the hands of the president (Vincent Labrune) and (owner) Margarita Louis-Dreyfus," Deschamps said.

"They will decide my fate, I do not know anymore than that. If she (Margarita) wants to see me, then she can. She is my boss after all."

Deschamps reiterated his desire to stay at Marseille, saying he intends to see out the remainder of his two-year contract in southern France.

"It is not yet the time right time for an evaluation of the season, but I will see the president like I have done every year I've been here," he said.

"It's not me who makes the schedule. You (the press) know my situation; I have two years left on my contract, so it is expected that I'll be here next season."

 

soccerway.com

Gourcuff unfazed by Blanc olive branch

koclokindoblog, 9 Mei 2012, Yoann Gourcuff responded nonchalantly to France coach Laurent Blanc's claim that he had an opportunity to make the Euro 2012 squad.

Blanc had previously stated on the show Telefoot that despite a difficult year for the 25-year-old Lyon midfielder, there may be 'small chance' for him to make his 23-man squad.

"I was not aware (of Blanc's statements). I do not pay too much attention, I focus on football," Gourcuff told RMC.

"It is my passion, this is where I put my energy and I'm enjoying myself.

"The hope is to be on the pitch, earn playing time and have fun, that's all."

Gourcuff has made just 11 league appearances for Lyon this season as the club missed out on Champions League qualification from Ligue 1.

Javier Pastore: Gonzalo Higuain Tanyakan Soal Paris Saint-Germain

koclokindoblog, 6 Mei 2012, El Pipita tampaknya mempertimbangkan opsi untuk merapat ke Parc des Princes.

Javier Pastore, playmaker Paris Saint-Germain, mengungkapkan bahwa Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid) menghubunginya dua minggu lalu untuk bertanya mengenai Les Parisiens.

Higuain belakangan santer dispekulasikan bakal menuju pintu keluar Santiago Bernabeu lantaran tak puas dengan kurangnya kans bermain sebagai starter kendati koleksi golnya tetap mengilap.

Kontak yang dibuat El Pipita dengan Pastore, kompatriotnya di timnas Argentina, menyiratkan bahwa striker 24 tahun itu sepertinya mempertimbangkan opsi merapat ke Parc des Princes.

Namun demikian, PSG toh bukan satu-satunya tim yang berminat pada servis mantan punggawa River Plate itu.

“Dia menelepon saya dua pekan lalu untuk menanyakan soal klub ini, Ligue 1, dan Kota Paris,” ungkap Pastore kepada L’Equipe.

“Dia bilang dia memiliki kesempatan ini [bergabung dengan PSG], tapi klub-klub lain juga tertarik padanya,” imbuh eks Palermo itu.

 

goal.com

PSG mettle impresses Ancelotti

koclokindoblog, 4 Mei 2012, Carlo Ancelotti was delighted to see Paris Saint-Germain get back in the Ligue 1 title race following their 2-0 win over Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.

After leaders Montpellier drew 2-2 against Evian a day earlier, Ancelotti's side moved to within three points of Rene Girdard's side with three matches to play.

And the former Milan and Chelsea coach expects the title race to be decided on the last day of the season.

"Everyone was saying PSG had lost the title, but football is bizarre," Ancelotti said.

"We were disappointed after losing to Lille, but things are looking up now. Now we need to try and win our last three matches."

"Our primary goal is to be playing Champions League football next season, and we managed to get back to within three points.

"Not a bad effort considering the pressure we were under, and we bounced back well after losing to Lille. As I've said all along, I think the title will be decided on the last day of the season."

PSG will have to deal with Valenciennes, Rennes and Lorient in their last three games of the campaign.

 

soccerway.com

Ancelotti proud of rampant PSG

koclokindoblog, 23 April 2012, Paris Saint-Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti has claimed a 'change of attitude' led to his side's 6-1 thrashing of Sochaux on Sunday.

PSG went into the Ligue 1 clash five points behind Montpellier but kept up the pressure on the league leaders with a dominant performance.

"I think the work of the team was good," Ancelotti said after the victory.

"We have scored a lot of goals ... but I think the most important thing is that we had a good spirit on the pitch.

"We were good offensively and we did what it took in defence.

"It has really been a good game."

Ancelotti's men had managed just one victory in five Ligue 1 matches before Sunday but the demolition of Sochaux makes it two wins in three games.

PSG are in fine form before their next game against third-placed Lille.

"We have completely changed our attitude," Ancelotti said.

"We played a good football, we had a good spirit, we were efficient.

"After tonight, we have more confidence for the next game which will be difficult."

 

soccerway.com