In a landmark moment for his career, Eden Hazard has been officially inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, recognising seven years at Chelsea F.C. that blended individual brilliance with domestic success. (Diario AS)
The induction is a fitting capstone for a player who, during his peak years (2012-2019), left an indelible mark on English football: in 245 Premier League appearances, he netted 85 goals and provided 54 assists. (Premier League)
Why the Honour Was Well Deserved
- Hazard won two Premier League titles, and among his many achievements, in 2018-19 he became only the fourth player in Premier League history to achieve 15+ goals and 15+ assists in a single season. (Premier League)
- Between 2012/13 and 2018/19 he was the only player to record 50+ goals and 50+ assists in the league. (Premier League)
- His dribbling statistics are also staggering: in 2014-15 he completed 180 dribbles — a figure bettered by just one player in Opta’s records since 2003-04. (Premier League)
Endorsement from Within: John Terry Speaks
Former Chelsea captain John Terry hasn’t held back in his praise. While selecting his best-ever Chelsea XI, Terry made clear the distinction between greatness and talent within the club’s rich history:
“I think Frank Lampard’s our best-ever player. And again for longevity, goals, repetition year after year. Hazard’s our most talented-ever player…” (Chelsea News)
In another interview Terry went even further:
“He was excellent… He has been our best player by a long way this year … He is up there with the (Lionel) Messi’s and (Cristiano) Ronaldo’s and can still get better and better.” (Sportskeeda)
These words underscore the impact Hazard had on those who shared a dressing room with him — coming from one of Chelsea’s all-time greats, they carry significant weight.
The Two-Sided Coin: Talent vs Legacy
While the praise is high, there is nuance. The distinction Terry draws is instructive:
- Talent: Hazard’s natural ability — his dribbling, his change of pace, his vision — places him in a rarefied bracket.
- Legacy: By contrast, Frank Lampard gets the nod in terms of sustained achievement, durability and aggregate record.
His move to Real Madrid in 2019 ultimately didn’t live up to the Chelsea heights, and injuries plus form issues curtailed his later years. That said, his Chelsea peak remains a golden period.
What This Means for Chelsea and the Premier League
- For Chelsea, Hazard’s induction further cements the club’s status as one of the great incubators of talent in the Premier League era.
- For the league as a whole, recognising Hazard emphasises that flair, creativity and individual expression still have a place alongside consistency and longevity in defining greatness.
- It also opens fresh debate among fans: how do you value raw talent versus sustained achievement? Can a player whose peak was relatively short still rank among the very best? Hazard’s career suggests yes — at least in the talent category.
Final Word
Eden Hazard may not top the list of Chelsea’s most decorated players — that honour goes to the likes of Lampard, John Terry, or Didier Drogba—but in terms of pure, unadulterated ability, for many, he remains unmatched. And with his induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame, the spotlight is firmly on the brilliance he brought to the pitch.
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