Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Mathew Ryan is happy that Eden Hazard is no longer with Chelsea. The 28-year-old left the Blues this summer and has linked up with Real Madrid in a deal which could be worth up to €130 million following a successful several-year spell.
Hazard has been the most important player for the Blues since the departures of club legends Frank Lampard and John Terry. He was once again the club’s best player last season as he went on to score 21 goals from 52 appearances in all competitions and helped the club to win the Europa League and attain a top four finish.
“I think from the four times I’ve faced him I haven’t saved a shot from him yet,” Ryan told the Fox Football Podcast.
“It’s either been blocked, he’s hit the shot off target or he’s scored a goal.
“It’s a bit of an annoying fact so thank god he’s p*ssed off somewhere else. I put in a nice word to (Real Madrid) for him.
“I would love to have the opportunity to face him again and stop him – that’s my motivation.”
Hazard’s departure will reduce quality of Chelsea’s attack
Hazard’s departure is likely to significantly reduce the firepower of the Blues attack next season and the club could have a tough time claiming a top-four finish especially considering that they have to deal with a two-window transfer ban. The play-makers departure will be music to the ears of opposition defences and goalkeepers. Ryan will be particularly happy. Chelsea recorded a League double over Brighton with Hazard scoring in both games.
One positive Chelsea can take from the Hazard move and transfer ban
The ban will certainly hamper the Blues quality ahead of next season and so will the departure of Hazard. There is however one positive which can be taken and which could prove to benefit the club in the long-run. The situation means that Callum Hudson-Odoi is likely to get much more opportunities next season and this could lead to the youngster wanting to spend his long-term future with the club. Hudson-Odoi reportedly was keen on a move to Bayern Munich in January when he was struggling to get regular game time with the Blues. He is one of the most highly-rated English talents and Chelsea must go all-out to keep him.
