Phil Jones, the former Manchester United defender, has pinpointed the player who caused him the most trouble on the pitch: Chelsea icon Eden Hazard. He admits facing the Belgian winger felt like an impossible task during Hazard’s peak years.
Jones spent twelve years at Old Trafford, encountering a generation of Premier League stars. Despite not fully realizing the immense potential Sir Alex Ferguson saw in him, he still amassed over 200 appearances and was a key member of United’s last Premier League-winning squad.
The defender recalls Hazard possessing an almost unfair advantage. “I’ve said on the podcast, I couldn’t play against Eden Hazard,” Jones revealed. “He had that season, a couple of seasons, where he was just unplayable.”
Jones vividly remembers the frustration of trying to defend against Hazard’s unique skillset. “Low centre of gravity, you would try to close him down, try to nail him, and he just twisted me up!” he explained, highlighting the winger’s deceptive agility and close control.
Hazard’s time at Chelsea was a period of sustained success, yielding two Premier League titles, two Europa League crowns, and domestic cup victories. Beyond the silverware, he consistently captivated fans with his dazzling performances.
The Belgian’s individual accolades speak volumes – four Player of the Year awards and four inclusions in the PFA Team of the Year. He wasn’t just winning trophies; he was consistently recognized as one of the league’s very best.
Interestingly, Hazard almost became a Manchester United player. He revealed having discussions with Sir Alex Ferguson before ultimately choosing Chelsea. Tottenham and Manchester City also expressed interest in securing his signature.
At the time, Chelsea wasn’t initially a top target for Hazard. He was hesitant to join a club that wasn’t consistently competing in the Champions League, a factor that shifted when Chelsea won the competition.
After leaving Chelsea, Hazard’s move to Real Madrid proved less successful. He ultimately retired at the relatively young age of 32, bringing an end to a celebrated career.
Hazard explained his decision to retire, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness. “You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time,” he stated. “After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.”
