BELGIAN EDEN HAZARD NEEDS THIS WORLD CUP TO PROVE THAT HE IS STILL ONE OF THE BEST

Eden Hazard was one of the players expected to bewitch The World Cup four years ago. As a top-level footballer, he has a vital role to play at this World Cup in order to survive. Despite barely featuring for Real Madrid this season, Belgian wing-back Timothy Castagne expects Eden Hazard to shine early in the World Cup. After a successful seven years at Chelsea, Hazard, 31, has had a frustration-plagued three years in the Spanish capital where he has failed to live up to his star billing. The Belgian international has struggled to hold down a first-team place or find his best form during this season and has started only two Real matches despite starting six of the team's seven matches since the end of last season.

Hazard's participation in Russia 2018 could not have come at a better time. During it, he would reach the peak of his career at Chelsea. The FA Cup final had just ended with Hazard scoring the winning goal. He scored three goals at the tournament, helping Belgium to third place. It was two goals he scored that led Chelsea to a 4-1 victory over Arsenal in the Europa League final.