Eden Hazard is one of the best young soccer stars in the world. One year ago, the 24-year-old midfielder earned the PFA Players' Player of the Year Award and FWA Football of the Year, both for the top player in English soccer. He also led Chelsea atop the Premier League table and League Cup.
Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany is so nervous about facing him, he's hoping for a little help when he faces Hazard this weekend.
"You'd almost hope that Eden Hazard would have diarrhea," he said in anticipation of City's home match with Chelsea on Sunday.
Kompany's quote was all in good fun, as he also described Hazard as Chelsea's most dangerous player. Kompany, 29, is City's captain and core of the defense, so his game plan will revolve around containing Hazard.
"Now let's be serious," Kompany said. "You can't underestimate the impact he has on Chelsea. And then you'll expect he would have a dip in his performance level. Last week against Swansea, he maybe didn't play his best first half, but when they were reduced to ten, he was the only one who was dangerous.
Because he ran past three-four defenders. You can have as many tactical plans as you want, if Eden starts running, it is chaos. He's at a level where he decides how good his team are."
Chelsea drew its season opener at home in London against Swansea City, 2-2. City knocked off West Brom, 3-0.
Hazard and Kompany are both members of the Belgium National Football Team, which Kompany also captains for. But away from national team duties, Kompany isn't too concerned about Hazard's well-being.
