In a family, the wealthiest, famous or influential sibling tend to be the most respected irrespective of numerical placement. In the footballing Hazards, that honour belongs to Chelsea’s Eden. Germany-based Thorgan, however, is staking a claim.
The Hazards is a household name in football. It’s no surprise. Father, Thierry was a good amateur player who turned out for Louviere in the Belgian third division. His wife Carine played football in the Belgian women’s league for the representative side Manage, a regional municipality. The output is four footballing sons.
“I was in her stomach when she was playing,” Eden said. “She was three months pregnant. I take after my mum as a player. My dad played at the back, chilled out, calm on the ball. My mum was a striker. I never watched Mum play but I can remember going to see my dad play. Actually, I like to think that I am a mix of the best of them.”
As part of the deal that brought Eden to Chelsea in 2012, Thorgan moved along. The pair joined from Lille and Lens respectively. Five years after, the Blues snapped up another Hazard – Kylian. Now it is being reported that the 15-year-old Ethan could follow suit in the coming months. The oldest Hazard was the trailblazer.
After an incredible four years in France, Eden stormed the Premier League like a tsunami. Blessed with pace, trickery and an eye for goal, the Belgian was a nightmare for defenders. His development was highlighted in the 2014/15 season when he won multiple awards and received praise from pundits and manager alike.
It wasn’t the same tale with Thorgan. Although endowed with a similar skill set, he was forced elsewhere to flaunt them. First, Belgium at Zulte Waregem then Gladbach in Germany, the 25-year-old spent three successive years on loan. The latter made the loan permanent 2015. Thorgan has reposed the trust.
He has even outshined Eden so far. While the Blues no 10 have been involved in 13 goals (9 goals, 4 assists), his kid brother is a couple of blocks ahead. The 25-year-old’s has been responsible for 18 strikes – of which he buried 13 himself. Those efforts have spurred his team to second position on the Bundesliga.
And it hasn’t all been about attacking either. Hazard ranks first for tackles by players in his position with 26 and second in interceptions, with 10. Eden, on the other hand, rarely tracks back. Never mind lodging into stakes.
With two years on his brother, there is still time for Thorgan to outgrow him. Already one of the Bundesliga’s most consistent attackers, if he continues on the same path and the once implausible scenario of him surpassing his brother may become a reality.
But until then, Eden rocks.
Written by Toby Prince
Follow Toby on Twitter @prinzToby
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