Hazard or Kagawa?

I recently had a debate with one of my mates (who happens to be a United fan) about who has made the biggest impact so far; Eden Hazard or Shinji Kagawa. Both players arrived at Chelsea and Manchester United respectively with big reputations, and an expectation to perform and make an impact right from the off. With both impressing so much in their short careers at their new clubs, this question was raised: Who would you rather have, Kagawa or Hazard?

Kagawa lit up the Stretford end in his home debut against
Fulham

First things first, both Kagawa and Hazard look like very exciting players. Both have very similar qualities; quick, creative, young, and a knack of scoring and supplying goals. Both have also stamped their authority on games played so far, and have looked extremely impressive; particularly when in possession of the ball. Their play making qualities have been instrumental in their respective teams performances thus far, with Kagawa and Hazard's intelligence and flair also catching the eye. But which one would you rather have in your team?

Kagawa arrived for quite a nominal fee in comparison to Hazard's; for around £16 million. The Japanese maestro has only played in 2 competitive games thus far, but he has made a tremendous impact. He was United's sole stand out performer in the game against Everton, but could not prevent the Reds losing 1-0. He then had another stand out performance in United's game against Fulham, and his performance was rewarded with a goal. When Kagawa was subbed United lost all momentum and creativity, outlining the quality and influence that he has already implemented into United's attack.

Whereas Kagawa may not be able to match Eden Hazard in the stats department, his displays have been up there with that of the Belgian. The Japanese play maker is a very similar player to Andres Iniesta; his creativity and cleverness playing a forefront in his game play. He hasn't so far got any assists to his name, but his composure and flair on the ball has created an element of calmness in the United attack, whilst also adding the creation that United have so desperately been lacking of in the centre of the park in recent years. But the trait that he possesses that Hazard lacks, is the ability to hold onto the ball and play it simple. Kagawa rarely loses the ball, in comparison to Hazard who seems to try something special when on the ball instead of playing it simple. This means Kagawa is always able to retain possession of the ball, something that has impressed me in his performances.

Hazard's destination was a massive question mark at the start of the summer, but after what seemed endless speculation; he decided on playing for Chelsea. The fee was in excess of £30 million, a transfer fee that is enough to impose a lot of pressure on any player. But he has dealt with the pressure magnificently, and despite looking anonymous in the Community shield against Manchester City, he sparked to life in Chelsea's opener against Wigan and has got better and better. He set up 2 goals in the opening 6 minutes against Wigan, single handedly defeated Reading whilst contributing with a further 3 assists, and then scored his first and got another assist in his most recent game against Newcastle. That totals a particularly impressive 6 assists and 1 goal in his first 3 Premier League games, an astonishing total considering he has been at Chelsea for merely 2 months.
 

Hazard has been a revelation since his arrival

What's so special about Hazard is that he's immediately accustomed to life in the Premier League. Foreign stars have come over to the Premier League and have struggled to adapt to the physicality's of the league, but Hazard seemed to be at home in the very first minutes of this years Premier League campaign. But most importantly of all, without Hazard; Chelsea would not be sitting pretty at the top of the table, and definitely wouldn't have a 100% win record. Hazards impression has been so great that he's single handedly ripped up Premier League defences with his power and flair, and has literally carried Chelsea through to wins. No one can be compared to the great that is Lionel Messi, but Hazard is in a very similar mould. He's tricky, he's fast, and he's deceivingly strong on the ball; surprising considering his short stature. But best of all; he's only 21. He's still very young and has no where near reached his peak, and it is frightening thinking about how much better he could get if he continues to tear up Premier League defences at will.

So, I think I have established that both players are pretty good footballers, but who would I rather have in my team? It was a close call, but from what I have seen so far, I would rather have Eden Hazard. No disrespect to Kagawa, there is no doubt that he is a brilliant player and I'm sure he'll be an integral figure at United for many years to come. But you cannot ignore the early indications of sheer brilliance that Hazard has displayed. At such a young age it is rare to see a player so talented, and this is a massive statement, but if he carries on this rich vein of form then in the future we may be mentioning Hazard in the same bracket as Messi himself.

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