With Euro 2024 looming on the horizon, the former Chelsea star picks the top players from the nine leading countries.

As a 126-cap Belgium international, Eden Hazard has an array of experience on the international stage. From making his senior debut aged 17 back in November 2008, the now-33-year-old was a leading part of Belgium’s Golden Generation – a bunch of players that, ultimately, emerged as nearly men.

International glory has escaped the grasp of every manager that has overseen the Red Devils in recent memory – but that’s not to say that Hazard, now retired, is one of the best Belgians to step foot in the Premier League. In fact, he is their fourth-highest appearance maker behind the likes of Toby Alderweireld (127), Axel Witsel (130) and Jan Verthongen (154).

Ahead of the impending Euro 2024 in Germany, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid man was quizzed, by talkSPORT, on who the best player from each of the following countries were: England, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and Norway.

England

Phil Foden

Phil Foden was the standout choice from England’s star-studded roster. Not Jude Bellingham, not Harry Kane, but Gareth Southgate’s Stockport-born gem. Still, somehow, just 25 years of age, his cute dribbling ability is not awfully dissimilar to that of Hazard’s – and, as such, there is some sort of mutual appreciation, it seems.

Many people have been pondering over the Manchester City man’s position in the lead up to Euro 2024, especially with him able to play on the left flank or from a central hub. Wherever Southgate ends up playing him, there’s no doubt that he’ll be crucial to anything England manage to muster.

Phil Foden – England Statistics

Debut

Appearances
33

Goals
4

Assists
8

Germany

Jamal Musiala

Once upon a time, Jamal Musiala represented England at youth level. Now a fully-fledged member of the German national team, despite being at the age of 21, any glimmer of hope that he could line up alongside the aforementioned Foden and Co are long gone, though he has gone on to emerge as one of Die Nationalmannschaft’s best players.

The Stuttgart-born ace has become a valuable member of Bayern Munich in years gone by, with him viewed as the long-term Thomas Muller replacement. Able to pick up pockets of space and weave in and out of the opposition, the youngster has plenty of time to master and, hence, perfect his craft.

Jamal Musiala – Germany Statistics

Debut
March 25, 2021

Appearances
27

Goals
2

Assists
5

France

Kylian Mbappe

Who else? Hazard sharply opted for none other than Kylian Mbappe, a 75-cap France international who scores goals like they’re going out of fashion – both internationally and on a domestic level. Heading into this summer’s rendition of the European Championship, France’s hopes lie heavily on the shoulders of the Paris-born hitman.

Kylian Mbappe – France Statistics

Debut
March 25, 2017

Appearances
77

Goals
46

Assists
31

Italy

Marco Verratti

Perhaps controversially, despite his collection of experience and know-how on the big stage, Marco Verratti was snubbed from Italy’s 30-man provisional squad by boss Luciano Spalletti. Having played north of 50 times for his country, the diminutive central midfielder’s presence will certainly be a sore miss.

Now plying his trade in Qatar for Al-Arabi SC, his stock has somewhat fallen, however. No longer a regular on TV screens, the 31-year-old is not held in the same regard as he was when at Paris Saint-Germain, as showcased by his recent snub. That said, the Euro 2020 winner has racked up seven assists in 17 league appearances this season for his current employers.

Marco Verratti – Italy Statistics

Debut
August 15, 2012

Appearances
55

Goals
3

Assists
4

Belgium

Kevin De Bruyne

When told he could not pick himself, Hazard opted for Belgian ace Kevin De Bruyne. A talisman for his country, the ginger-haired magician has weighed in with 26 goals and 49 assists across his 99-game international career, which is a spectacular return for a midfielder.

De Bruyne endured an injury-plagued campaign with Manchester City, but his return spruced them into life, totting up four goals and 10 assists across his final 17 league outings, as they picked up a fourth Premier League title on the bounce. His influence is unrivalled, for club and country, and he’ll be crucial to their progression in Germany.

Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium Statistics

Debut
August 11, 2010

Appearances
99

Goals
26

Assists
49

Netherlands

Virgil van Dijk

A dip in form during the 2022/23 campaign saw fans and pundits alike doubt the world-beating ability of Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk – but the Dutchman is seemingly back to his best with him named in the campaign-long statistic-based Premier League team of the Season.

The imperious centre-back is as imposing as they come, dominant in the air and his sheer pace can match that of many forwards in the world. A 66-cap international for Oranje, the 32-year-old is poised to figurehead their back line for years to come – but he’ll believe, more than anyone, that 2024 is their year.

Virgil van Djik – Netherlands Statistics

Debut
October 10, 2015

Appearances
66

Goals
7

Assists
0

Spain

Cesar Azpilicueta

Despite Cesar Azpilicueta not being picked by Luis de la Fuente in Spain’s provisional squad, Hazard remained loyal to his former Chelsea colleague, who now earns his corn at Atletico Madrid, having played 292 times with him during his Stamford Bridge stint. In fact, only Thibaut Courtois has had the pleasure of lining up alongside the Belgian ace more times (293) than Azpilicueta has.

The former Blues skipper, similarly to Verratti, has missed out on a call-up to his nation’s provisional squad for the upcoming tournament, despite his top level expertise. Interestingly, the veteran 34-year-old, who is widely considered to be one of the best Spaniards to grace the English top flight, only has 44 caps for La Roja, but that didn’t prevent Hazard from naming him as their best player.

Cesar Azpilicueta – Spain Statistics

Debut
February 6, 2013

Appearances
44

Goals
1

Assists
2

Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal’s all-time top goalscorer is the obvious choice – but it’s also the choice that Hazard went with. Cristiano Ronaldo, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers to ever live, may be entering his final tournament with Portugal once June hits and Euro 2024 gets underway.

At the tender age of 39, the former Manchester United talisman is still being his old record-breaking self in Saudi Arabia as he recently broke the record for the most goals scored in one campaign after taking his seasonal tally to 35. Evidently past the peak of his powers, the Portuguese icon will be looking to bow out on a positive note this summer.

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Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal Statistics

Debut
August 20, 2003

Appearances
206

Goals
128

Assists
46

Norway

Martin Odegaard

The reporter tried to get Hazard to mutter the words: “Erling Haaland” when he was tasked with choosing the best player from Norway, but the former Real Madrid superstar opted for Arsenal magician Martin Odegaard. The former Los Blancos wonderkid has come on leaps and bounds since joining the north Londoners.

Since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, the Norwegian has notched 26 goals and provided a further 18 assists, all while captaining the club to their best campaigns of recent times. Finishing off the pace of Manchester City twice on the trot will be something that Odegaard will want to iron out next season.

Martin Odegaard – Norway Statistics

Debut
August 27, 2014

Appearances
57

Goals
3

Assists
10