BELGIUM BOSS ROBERTO Martinez has dismissed concerns about Eden Hazard being overweight at Real Madrid.
A report in Sport in July claimed Hazard was seven kilograms too heavy when he joined up with the Madrid squad for pre-season duty.
The Belgium star has found it difficult to kick-start his career in LaLiga since joining from Chelsea in the transfer window, only scoring his first goal for the club in last weekend’s 4-2 defeat of Granada.
Martinez, though, does not believe Hazard’s physical condition is a particular concern given the talent he has.
“He is a really calm person, not someone who looks for individual glory,” he told Deportes Cuatro.”Whether he’s carrying weight or not, Hazard can break past and unsettle defences and make a difference.
“His innate talent doesn’t depend on whether his weight is this or that.”
Martinez also spoke in defence of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The 27-year-old was taken off at half-time of the 2-2 Champions League draw with Club Brugge with what Madrid described as a stomach problem.
The club was forced to deny Courtois had become ill due to anxiety, having conceded twice to Brugge in the first half to compound a difficult run of form at club level.
Martinez says Courtois is still recovering from illness and insists he is the world’s best in his position.
“It wasn’t true that he had anxiety,” Martinez said.”He is still feeling the effects of a stomach bug and needs to regain a kilogram or two. That’s what can happen with a stomach bug.
“He is a player who dreamed of playing for Real Madrid from a young age and he is ready to define an era there. I am convinced that he is the best goalkeeper in the world.”
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Great player, sounds an even greater person. Enjoy your retirement Nigel.
What an ambassador for rugby, sport and Ireland north and south. His story is remarkable and a reminder to the rest of us to get up, get on and make the most of our life, no matter how challenging. Easier said than done.
Fabulous wing forward, himself Matthew and Spillane were as good a combo as you could get, great balance of power and size and Carr was as good a link player as he was a nuisance at the breakdown. Should have had 40 Caps easily, back in the days when there were for fewer tests…
Played a match in Anglesea road versus Queens the morning of an international. Back row of Carr, Mathews and Jimmy Davidson (later to be Irish coach). Carr was absolutely brilliant and scored tries for fun but was also so quick and such a tough opponent. It was obvious he was going somewhere and so sad he didn’t get a chance to reach full potential.
He’s still the man I judge any Irish 7 against, incredible player & reader of the game. Watch some of his videos and learn.
@kieran horgan: ….yeah and it’s says volumes about him that he would fit seamlessly into any team in the modern game.
@Michael Murray: …shades of Sam Cane, tidy, efficient and right place and right time.
Often wondered how life went for Nigel and both relieved and happy to read that he is good shape, all things considered.
Very few other players have ticked “ the greatest” box and lived on our memories after so few appearances as Nigel has. He was super fit, focused, athletic and an excellent ball carrier. He tormented the opposition and reduced their opportunities. There was a big gap in the Irish team without Nigel on the pitch.