The Arsenal midfielder appears to have inadvertently revealed his opinion on the Hazard v Sanchez debate.
Santi Cazorla discussed several Premier League players in his recent interview with FourFourTwo, but it was what he didn’t say rather than what he did say that was interesting.
While discussing Chelsea’s dynamic winger Eden Hazard, the Spaniard proclaimed that:
“Hazard is a spectacular player. He’s different to the norm and I think, if he wants tom he could get very close to the level of Neymar, Cristiano and Messi.”
“He has the technical qualities to be one of the best players in the game.”
Not many people would argue with this. Hazard is Chelsea’s key attacking player, and has consistently improved under Jose Mourinho. While he isn’t as prolific as Messi or Ronaldo, he is just as important to his team.
When discussing his teammate Alexis Sanchez, Cazorla was also complimentary, but to a lesser degree:
SEE MORE:
Arsenal And Manchester United Among Top Five Possible Destinations for Unsettled Yohan Cabaye
Seven Clubs Marco Reus Could Move To In January, Including Real Madrid And Five Premier League Sides
Debating Arsenal’s Potential Captains: Wilshere, Arteta Or New Centre-Back Signing?
“[Sanchez’s] performance have been really first class… he’s a player who’s going to be very important for Arsenal.”
While “first class” is a great compliment, it’s not on the same level as comparing Sanchez to Ronaldo and Messi. Saying Sanchez will be “very important for Arsenal” is not quite saying Hazard will be “one of the best players in the game.”
Hazard and Alexis Sanchez have been widely compared this season, both are young wide players with exceptional ability, and many similar qualities. The consensus seems to be that if Sanchez is shining slightly more brilliantly now; it is Hazard who has the brighter future.
Santi Cazorla, whether he would admit it or not, seems to have revealed that he agrees with that view of things.