When it comes to the greatest Chelsea players of the last 15 years or so, it’s impossible to look past Eden Hazard.
The Belgian wizard joined the Blues in the summer of 2012 and, over the next seasons, made 352 appearances, scoring 110 goals, providing 88 assists, and winning a host of trophies, including two Premier Leagues.
The international superstar was more than just output, though; he was an entertainer, someone who could make something of anything, and a legend of the league.
So, fans should be delighted about reports linking Chelsea to another superstar who could become their new Hazard.
Chelsea target their new Eden Hazard
The transfer window reopens in just over a month, and as a result, Chelsea are being linked with some seriously exciting players.
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Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, for example, has been touted for a £79m move to Stamford Bridge, as has Nottingham Forest’s defensive powerhouse Murillo.
Yet, while both would improve the Blues’ squad and potentially the starting lineup, neither can be described as the next Hazard, unlike Vinícius Júnior.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Chelsea are one of a few teams keen on signing the Real Madrid winger.
In fact, the report has revealed that, alongside Manchester City, the West Londoners are leading the race for the Brazilian’s signature, while Manchester United trail behind.
However, on top of the competition, the Blues will have to stump up a fee of up to £100m to secure the superstar’s signature.
It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Vini Jr’s immense ability, it’s one Chelsea should be all over, especially as he could be another Hazard.
Why Vini Jr would be another Hazard for Chelsea
Now, while Vini Jr obviously isn’t a carbon copy of Hazard, there are undeniable similarities between the two.
For example, in addition to sharing a position with him, the Brazilian is also a winger most would describe as an entertainer; he is not merely efficient.
In other words, the 25-year-old is more than happy to take on an opposition defender, is capable of scoring a myriad of goals and isn’t afraid of pulling off a trick or two, even if he sometimes gets heat for doing so.
While this is all obvious from simply watching the former Flamengo gem play, it’s also borne out in his underlying numbers.
For example, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, the top 3% for successful take-ons, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and more, all per 90.
Simply put, the São Gonçalo-born star is someone who wants to carry the ball into dangerous areas and is one of the very best at doing so.
With all that said, while Vini Jr has the entertainment side of Hazard to his own game, he’s also as, if not more, dangerous when it comes to backing that up with output.
Appearances
340
Starts
267
Minutes
24,291′
Goals
111
Assists
92
Points per Game
2.15
For example, in 340 appearances, for Los Blancos, totalling 24291 minutes, he has scored 111 goals and provided 92 assists.
That comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.67 games, or every 119.66 minutes, which is even more impressive when you consider his slow start in Madrid.
With numbers like those, and the fact he’s one of the few players in the world guaranteed to get fans on their feet, it’s hard to disagree with Ronaldo’s assertion that he is “the best player in the world.”
Therefore, while it will cost an arm and a leg, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign Vini Jr, especially as he could be their next Hazard.
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