Chelsea finally secured the signature of Eden Hazard this week, in what has been a seven-day period even more profitable than a visit to PartyBingo.com, and if Blues fans want an indication of what to expect from the Belgian forward, then they need to look no further than Newcastle United and the mercurial Hatem Ben Arfa.
There are few people that know Eden Hazard and his style of play as well as Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye. The Frenchman played with Hazard throughout his time at Lille and got a close look at football’s hottest prospect.
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Speaking to France Football, Cabaye said of Ben Arfa, who he’ll play alongside in Euro 2012 this summer for France: “He has a big talent but physically and in front of goal he has worked hard. He greatly deserved to be called into the French team”
Cabaye then went on to make the comparison with Hazard, stating: “His genius reminds me of Eden Hazard’s. He is one of a group of rare players who are capable of making a difference with just one gesture.”
Hatem Ben Arfa is certainly a genius, and if Eden Hazard is half as good as the hype surrounding him, then he’ll be a terrific addition to Chelsea’s squad and in turn the Premier League and English football.
Hazard certainly didn’t come cheap, especially when you compare his fee to the small amount of cash spent on Ben Arfa, but if he can do what Hatem can do with the ball at his feet, then the Stamford Bridge crowd are in for a treat next season.
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