Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld recently made comments on Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard – one that fans may or may not agree with – ahead of the Wales vs Belgium on Friday in the UEFA Euro 2016 last 8.
The Tottenham defender said (as per The Sun): “Eden is certainly up to the class of Gareth Bale. It was his best game for Belgium.
“His confidence is growing, he’s working hard to show what he can do and help the team and I think he was fantastic.
“When he plays like he did, he’s one of the best players in the world — he can compete with anyone. Hopefully he can keep this level up in this tournament.”
This remark by the Red Devils full-back raises a few questions. Are Hazard and Bale on the same level, and if not, who is the superior player? Here we take a look.
In UEFA Euro 2016 so far…
Gareth Bale: 4 games, 3 goals, 0 assists
Eden Hazard: 4 games, 1 goal, 3 assists
The two players have enjoyed a successful UEFA Euro 2016 campaign so far, but for different reasons. The Real Madrid superstar sits in first place in the top scorers table with his three goals, alongside Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata. The Chelsea ace, on the other hand, tops the assists charts with three, where he is joined by countryman Kevin de Bruyne.
Hazard celebrates his goal after inspiring Belgium to a 3-0 win over Hungary
Goals and apps over the last three seasons
Gareth Bale: 123 apps, 58 goals
Eden Hazard: 143 apps, 42 goals
Last season, the world’s most expensive player proved pivotal for Los Blancos during a rough spell under Rafael Benitez and during Zidane’s reign. The Dragons star scored 19 goals and racked up 12 assists across all competitions to help Los Blancos to an 11th Champions League title and a second place finish in La Liga.
2015/16 was a disastrous season for Hazard, as the 25-year-old managed only six goals and seven assists across all competition for the Blues. However, the season prior to that saw him hit new heights, scoring 17 and assisting 11 en route to a league and cup double.
Trophies and accolades – who has more since 2013?
Gareth Bale:
- Two-time Champions League winner in 2013/14 and again in 2015/16.
- Won the Copa del Rey in 2013/14, scoring the winning goal late in the second half.
- Lifted the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2014.
- Was named Wales Player of the Year for three straight years (2013, 2014, and 2015).
- Named in the Football Manager Team of the Decade in 2015.
Bale poses with the trophy after winning the 2015/16 UCL
Eden Hazard:
- Won an English Premier League and Capital One Cup double in 2014/15.
- BPL, PFA, and FWA Player of the Season winner in 2014/15.
- PFA Young Player of the Season winner in 2013/14.
- Named in the PFA Team of the Season in 2013/14 and 2014/15.
- Two-time Chelsea Player of the Season winner (2013/14 and 2014/15).
The two European superstars both boast stats that back their claim of superiority. However, neither Bale nor Hazard will be focusing on this, as their only goal when Wales clash with Belgium will be booking a spot in the UEFA Euro 2016 semi-finals.
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