Fabregas backs Eden Hazard to succeed at Real Madrid amid criticism

Former
Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas has backed Eden Hazard to succeed at Real Madrid
despite the recent criticism from the Spanish media regarding his weight. The
Belgium international has failed to make an effective contribution in five
friendly matches for Los Blancos and this has recently propped up suggestions
that he may be struggling due to his weight.

However,
speaking to Cope, Fabregas has dismissed the claims and said that the Spanish
media have not watched the performances of Hazard at Chelsea over the past
seven seasons, where he has generally started at a slow pace, he told: “It
surprises me that his weight is talked about. It seems people have not seen his
seven years in the Premier League.Maybe the pre-seasons are hard for him, and
it’s true that playing for Real Madrid is a big thing, but I have no doubts about
him. He will lead the team.”

Los Blancos have bought as many as five players during the ongoing transfer window and that has seen them spend more than £270m in transfer fees. Still, they have been backed to pursue another central midfielder and reports have emerged that Donny van de Beek could make the switch to the Bernabeu before the transfer deadline on September 2.

The Netherlands international has personally confirmed that he has begun negotiations with the 13-time European champions regarding the transfer and it remains to be seen whether the move would be initiated during the current transfer window. Ajax have already lost a number of key players including Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong this summer and there are suggestions that the Dutch champions want Van de Beek to remain with the club for at least another season before parting ways. Real Madrid start their league campaign with an away trip to Celta Vigo on August 17.