Two of the world’s best players – Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard – go head to head when Wales meet Belgium in a Euro 2016 qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night.
We take a look at how the two players shape up ahead of their own private battle which could go a long way to deciding which one of the two Group B leaders takes a significant step on the road to France.
Finishing
Bale – the Welshman has the edge here as he has not looked back since scoring 31 goals for club and country in the 2012-13 season which earned him his world record move to Real Madrid. Has scored 39 times in 87 appearances for Real – a pretty decent return from wide areas, especially when Cristiano Ronaldo is the main man at the Bernabeu.
Hazard – just short of the 20-goal mark for Chelsea this season with evidence of growing composure in his finishing, but six of his 19 goals came from the penalty spot. Averaged one nearly every four games for first club Lille, but has improved upon that rate to become almost a one in three marksman since moving to English football in the summer of 2012.
Dead ball
Bale – there’s a sense of anticipation every time Bale stands over a set-piece – at least there is for Wales fans. Two of his four Euro 2016 goals have been spectacular free-kicks and he scored some real beauties for former club Spurs. But getting past Ronaldo on Real Madrid free-kick duty is a great deal trickier than beating any goalkeeper.
Hazard - not a prolific free-kick scorer for Chelsea and more likely to be standing over one for Belgium than his club. But it would be hard to find a cooler exponent from 12 yards as Hazard’s penalty taking has become a feature of his game, minimum of fuss but usually the right result as he waits for the goalkeeper to commit.
Assists
Bale – has worked hard on improving his crossing, especially with his weaker right foot, and Ronaldo has been the major beneficiary of that training ground diligence. Nine assists in 31 La Liga games this season tells the story that Bale is an unselfish player, even if some notable others would perhaps tell you otherwise.
Hazard – prefers to roam down the left and has linked well with Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas in Chelsea’s charge to title success. Remarkably similar figures to Bale with nine assists in 38 Premier League games and has the intelligence and ability to find team-mates in the most crowded of goalmouths.
Trickery
Bale – perhaps noted more for his pace and power, but the Welshman still has dummies and dragbacks in his repertoire and can get supporters off their seats with a piece of trickery. Happier with the ball on his left-side but possesses such quick feet that he is capable of evading defenders even when they double up on him.
Hazard – genuine two-footed player who is blessed with wonderful balance, excellent pace and tremendous dribbling skills. Low centre of gravity helps him glide past opponents in the tightest of spaces, and defenders challenge him at their peril if he makes the penalty area because the end result is often a spot-kick.
Temperament
Bale – struggled early on at Tottenham when Harry Redknapp questioned his character – “he always seemed to be playing with his hair” the Spurs manager said – but you don’t make it to Real Madrid by being mentally weak. Quiet, but tough, and defenders are wasting their time if they try to kick him out of a game.
Hazard – made unfortunate headlines when he was sent off for kicking a Swansea ballboy in a League Cup semi-final tie in 2013 but is far more sinned against than sinner. The Premier League’s most fouled player keeps on coming back for more and that is a testament to an excellent temperament and a desire to excel.
Source: SNAPPA
