Player Review

So, I use Hazard as an outside left CAM in the 4-2-3-1 formation, alongside FUT Birthday Willian and FUT Birthday Werner - the other 2 out perform him on a consistent basis, he seems to make the most simple chances and passes seem difficult.

Pace

Feels quick off the ball, in possession he may as well be running through treacle - regularly caught on the break by the majority of full backs in the weekend league, spent the majority of my Saturday afternoon in Lala's pocket. Definitely doesn't feel close to the 91 base stat on his card.

Shooting

His finishing is so, so inconsistent - I haven't seen anything like it. cutting in on his stronger right foot, it seems to be a flip of a coin whether he rockets it into the corner, or sends it flying beyond the far post. His finesse shots seem to be unusable, with the majority of them being comfortably caught, even green timed finesse's from within the box don't seem to trouble keepers. His Longshots are as his stats suggest, I have scored the majority of my goals with Hazard by tee-ing him up on the edge of the box and shooting first time - his shot power and long shots are by far the most effective of his shooting stats in game.

Passing

With the Maestro chemistry style, Hazard goes to 99 short passing and 88 long passing - I honestly don't know where EA get these stats from - his passing range does not feel anything like this in game, with the simplest short passes going astray. His cross field balls and his ability to switch the play is very good however, I have never had a problem with his long passing. His crossing is another rather major inconsistency - at times, it will be pinpoint onto Ronaldo's head, and he doesn't miss from those positions, but at other times he either fails to beat the first man, or it goes directly to the keeper.

Dribbling

By far and away the best aspect of this card. His turning is quick and sharp and the ball seems glued to his feet when not sprinting, his skill moves seem smooth and connection allowing, he is capable of gliding past players. I have been let down on several occasions by his first touch while he is sprinting, but I've had this problem with many players, so I'm not going to put this down as being him.

Defending

Unlike Mourinho, I don't expect to see Hazard running back and defending - there have been times where he has tracked back of his own accord and has put some good auto-tackles in, so I don't have any complaints about his defending stats.

Physicality

66 strength... although there have been times where Hazard has ridden challenges, against the TOTY VVD's of the world, Hazard doesn't stand a chance and will easily be nudged off of the ball as if he's not there. His stamina is definitely good enough for him to play on the left wing with stay forward on him, but as a CAM - I've noticed that he tends to flag around the 70 minute mark

Conclusion

I bought Hazard and IF Robertson to replace Gervinho and Alex Sandro - the only thing Hazard has that FUT birthday Gervinho doesn't is the 4* skill moves - Gervinho is free, taller, stronger, is much more clinical and always seems to be popping up in the right areas - if your team allows it, and if you have him, Gervinho is the much better option.