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Eden Hazard has sunk under weight of Real Madrid expectations, says Fabio Capello

ByReuters

Updated 26/07/2020 at 08:42 GMT

Eden Hazard has struggled to deal with the weight of the Real Madrid shirt following his high-profile move from Chelsea, former manager Fabio Capello has said.

Eden Hazard - Real Madrid

Image credit: Getty Images

Hazard joined the Spanish club from Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported €100 million ahead of the 2019-20 season.
The Belgium international inspired Chelsea to two Premier League trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge but has failed to hit similar heights in Spain, with injuries limiting him to 21 appearances in all competitions this season.
"He hasn't been the player he was at Chelsea and he was injured for a long time, he hasn't adapted," Capello told Marca.
"I've always thought of him as a great player but the Real shirt weighs heavily and Hazard has sunk this year. It's clear that he'll be better next season," added the Italian, who led Real to two La Liga titles.
With Hazard struggling for form, the onus was on Karim Benzema to shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities and the French striker enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, netting 21 league goals and firing Real to a record-extending 34th La Liga crown.
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"He's become a benchmark for Real. He has taken on responsibility that he didn't have when he played with Cristiano Ronaldo, he has a nose for goal and he's shown it," added former England coach Capello.
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