Eden Hazard is thought to have impressed Real Madrid coaching staff since returning to training at Valdebebas following his participation at the World Cup for Belgium.
The 31-year-old attacker has struggled for form and fitness since his €100m transfer to the Bernabeu from Chelsea in 2019, making just 72 appearances and scoring seven times.
With Hazard’s time as one of the world’s best players fading into the distance, many have accused the Belgian of lacking the requisite work ethic to remain at the highest levels, citing his perceived weight gain and lack of effort on the pitch.
However, according to AS, Hazard has returned to Madrid with newfound determination and has quickly managed to win over his coaches at the club, giving his hopes of playing a pivotal role in the remainder of Los Merengue’s season a major boost.
Having played just 229 minutes of football so far this season and facing competition for places from the likes of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, becoming a star man at Madrid could be a tall order for Hazard. But it seems clear that he has at least made a strong start to staking his claim for a place.
Los Blancos play their first game since the World Cup break on 30 December when they travel to Real Valladolid in La Liga. A Copa del Rey tie against lower league Cacereno follows on 3 January.
