KEY POINTS

  • Real Madrid star Eden Hazard said he's not only thinking about scoring goals when he plays
  • Hazard revealed that he prefers giving out assists than scoring goals
  • The Belgian forward said this was his worst season as a player despite Real Madrid winning the La Liga title

Despite being famous for his goal-scoring attributes, Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard insists that he is more of an assisting player than a “scoring machine.”

Hazard had drastically decreased his goal-scoring this season for Real Madrid. But before he completed a staggering €100 million ($118 million) move from Chelsea last summer, the Belgium international was in his best form.

In a recent exclusive interview with UEFA.com, Hazard made a series of revelations about his career. Aside from recalling some of his favorite memories in the Champions League, Hazard also discussed the passion he developed for playmaking.

When asked if he prefers scoring or giving assists, Hazard made an interesting point about having the same feeling of satisfaction whenever the ball hits the net regardless of his role. And the Madrid star revealed that he considers himself as more of a creator than a goal-scorer.

“The feeling is the same when you see the ball in the net. In my mind, I'm not just thinking about scoring goals, scoring goals, scoring goals. Some players now just think about scoring goals. And me? I'm more the kind of player who can create something. That's why I like to say that I'm more of an assisting guy than a scoring machine,” Hazard revealed.

Despite revealing that he prefers dishing out assists to his teammates, Hazard admitted that he still dreams of scoring “a beautiful goal,” especially when his team wins.

“I prefer to make assists, but I also like the feeling when you score a beautiful goal, a last-minute goal, and you win the game at the end,” he continued.

Eden Hazard has endured a nightmare first season at Real Madrid but could make amends in the final 11 games.
Eden Hazard moved from Chelsea to Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS

In the 2019/20 season, Hazard was hindered by a recurring ankle injury. After suffering an ankle fracture in November, the 29-year-old dealt with it once again during his return three months later.

Winning the La Liga title this season was a bittersweet moment for Hazard. In an interview with France Info, the Los Blancos forward admitted that as an individual player, it was the worst season of his career.

“This year we won the title collectively. For me, at an individual level, I've had the worst season of my career for sure,” Hazard said.

Real Madrid is set to face Premier League giants Manchester City in Leg 2 of Round 16 of the Champions League. Hazard is aware that “it’s going to be difficult,” but he is keeping a positive mindset ahead of the must-win match.