Martinez talks about ‘the importance of Eden Hazard’ to Belgium

With World Cup 2022 looming on the horizon,

is once again counted as one of the favorites to reach the latter stages in the tournament. With a host of incredible players like Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, Belgium’s so-called Golden Generation may perhaps have its last chance to show what they truly are made of. Having achieved the 4th place in the last World Cup, Martinez and company will hope to top that achievement in Qatar.

One of the key players that could make this happen is

’s Eden Hazard. Speaking to VTM Nieuws recently, Martinez talked about his squad:

"Leandro Trossard is rightly spoken of. But there can be no discussion about the importance of Eden to the national team, with his career and experience. He was one of the key players in 2018 - that is also an important experience.

“The last two years have been particularly challenging for Eden. At the European Championships he was not pain free, but he did help the team at times. I think of those 60 minutes against Portugal. We should not underestimate what a fit and fresh Hazard can bring.”

Both Martinez and

are well aware of his lack of readiness due to the limited amount of playing time he has had in recent years but they both seem willing to find a solution. Whether that would be enough to make Hazard a starter for Belgium in WC or not remains to be seen!

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