Mikel: 'Hazard is the laziest player I've ever seen'
Hazard played for Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, including five years playing with Mikel. At Stamford Bridge, the Belgian star won two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup, a League Cup, two Europa Leagues and the title of Best English Player in the 2014-2015 season. Hazard also brought Belgium to the bronze medal of the 2018 World Cup.
"Eden Hazard is the laziest player I've ever seen, but on match day he won the title of best player," Mikel told AS on February 17.
Mikel also talked about Hazard's binge eating habits. After dinner, Hazard usually spends 20 to 30 minutes eating more rice cakes. "If he had practiced more, he could have become a better player," Mikel said.
Hazard's career went downhill since joining Real in 2019. Due to lack of control, the 32-year-old striker gained weight compared to his time at Chelsea. In more than three seasons, Hazard played only 73 games and scored seven goals for Real, including seven games and one at the start of the 2022-2023 season.
Contrary to Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah were not successful with Chelsea at a young age. However, after leaving Stamford Bridge, they both became top players at Man City and Liverpool.
De Bruyne has won four Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, five League Cups, one Super Cup and two England Player of the Year titles. Salah also has one Premier League, one FA Cup, one League Cup, one English Super Cup, one Champions League, one European Super Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup and two England Player of the Year titles.
According to Mikel, Salah was criticized by former coach Jose Mourinho in the dressing room to the point of crying. That incident made the Egyptian player hurt and lose hope at Chelsea. "When I look at players like De Bruyne or Salah, I find it hard to believe," Mikel said. "They became faster and stronger physically. I don't know what happened to them."
Mikel played for Chelsea from 2006 to 2017. Here, the former Nigerian midfielder won two Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, two League Cups, an English Super Cup, a Champions League and a Europa League.
