Hazard has been described as a street tough kid, he was only 19 in January, a relatively short ragamuffin with the skills of Paul Gascoigne, hopefully his career will be more fulfilling than the Tynsesider’s, and the man on fire at the moment Wayne Rooney. Like Rooney he is an attacking midfielder who holds on to the ball imperiously in front of his opponents and his talents have interested clubs such as Inter Milan, Real Madrid and England’s Arsenal and Manchester United.
Observers have said his dangerous runs against a frail Liverpool back four were the difference between the teams, but Hazard was well supported in midfield by Ludovic Obraniak and Pierre-Alain Frau. His trademark yellow boots could become a statement of intent especially if he keeps on scoring as he did that night and his 85th minute goal was sublime. A curling freekick that beat the experienced Liverpool defence and goalie Pepe Reina.
Speak very quietly because there have been many false dawns before but Hazard may bring back the glory of the great Belgium team of the 1980s.