Former Barcelona scout reveals why he passed on Hazard

Eden Hazard became a true legend at Chelsea but also one of Real Madrid’s most disappointing transfers. As it turns out, the Belgian could have arrived in Spain much earlier.

Details: In an interview with Cadena SER, Bojan Krkić Sr., father of former Barcelona player Bojan Krkić and a former scout for the club, revealed that he had scouted Hazard at the junior level but ultimately recommended against the transfer.

Quote:

“I first saw him at the U-17 European Championship, where my son was also playing. Belgium made it to the final, but Spain won. Hazard played brilliantly throughout the tournament—except for the final.

Later, he signed with Lille. I went to watch him play against Montpellier. It was August, and while the rest of the team was warming up in shorts and T-shirts, Hazard came out last, in a tracksuit. The team was engaged in the warm-up, but he was barely moving, looking around the stands… He played well, but from a commitment and attitude standpoint, I didn’t like what I saw.

Three days later, I went to see him again in a cup game against Angers. He was on the bench. When the coach told the substitutes to warm up, everyone was stretching and running, while he simply walked around, watching the game. My report read ‘reject.’

Experience has shown that young, talented players with a careless attitude rarely deliver in the long term. I’ve seen it both as a teammate and as a scout at Barça. My report was as follows: top quality, technically and tactically; but due to attitude and character, with more detailed information, I advised against him.”

Reminder: Recently, Eden Hazard was pranked when a popular barber had him wear a Tottenham shirt.