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
September 5, 2020
Appearances
33
Goals
4
Assists
8
Germany
Jamal Musiala
![Jamal Musiala in action for Germany](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mixcollage-01-may-2024-12-14-pm-7975.jpg)
![Jamal Musiala](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/collage-maker-20-oct-2023-04-36-pm-4601.jpg)
![Jamal Musiala in action for Germany](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mixcollage-01-may-2024-12-01-pm-1974.jpg)
![Jamal Musiala in action for Germany](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mixcollage-01-may-2024-12-14-pm-7975.jpg)
![Jamal Musiala](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/collage-maker-20-oct-2023-04-36-pm-4601.jpg)
![Jamal Musiala in action for Germany](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mixcollage-01-may-2024-12-01-pm-1974.jpg)
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
![Kylian Mbappe celebrating for France vs Argentina at World Cup](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/kylian-mbappe-celebrating-for-france.jpg)
![Kylian Mbappe playing for PSG in the 2023/24 campaign](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/kylian-mbappe.jpg)
![Kylian Mbappe celebrating for France vs Argentina at World Cup](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/kylian-mbappe-celebrating-for-france.jpg)
![Kylian Mbappe playing for PSG in the 2023/24 campaign](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/kylian-mbappe.jpg)
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
![Marco Verratti playing for Italy](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mixcollage-14-mar-2024-04-41-pm-7128.jpg)
![Marco Verratti](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mixcollage-30-dec-2023-09-03-am-3984.jpg)
![Marco Verratti](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/marco-verratti.png)
![Marco Verratti playing for Italy](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mixcollage-14-mar-2024-04-41-pm-7128.jpg)
![Marco Verratti](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mixcollage-30-dec-2023-09-03-am-3984.jpg)
![Marco Verratti](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/marco-verratti.png)
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
![Kevin de Bruyne celebrates for Belgium](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/kevin-de-bruyne.jpg)
![Manchester City attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne during a pre-match warm-up](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mixcollage-15-may-2024-02-46-pm-1463.jpg)
![Manchester City creative midfielder Kevin De Bruyne during a pre-match warm-up](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mixcollage-14-feb-2024-02-00-pm-2067.jpg)
![Kevin de Bruyne celebrates for Belgium](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/kevin-de-bruyne.jpg)
![Manchester City attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne during a pre-match warm-up](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mixcollage-15-may-2024-02-46-pm-1463.jpg)
![Manchester City creative midfielder Kevin De Bruyne during a pre-match warm-up](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mixcollage-14-feb-2024-02-00-pm-2067.jpg)
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
![Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mixcollage-26-feb-2024-04-15-pm-728.jpg)
![Virgil van Dijk](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mixcollage-23-nov-2023-03-41-pm-2727.jpg)
![Virgil van Dijk](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/collage-maker-02-may-2023-11-51-am-6582.jpg)
![Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mixcollage-26-feb-2024-04-15-pm-728.jpg)
![Virgil van Dijk](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mixcollage-23-nov-2023-03-41-pm-2727.jpg)
![Virgil van Dijk](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/collage-maker-02-may-2023-11-51-am-6582.jpg)
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
![César Azpilicueta celebrating.](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mixcollage-27-dec-2023-12-39-pm-8385.jpg)
![Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta reacts](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mixcollage-12-nov-2023-12-11-pm-369.jpg)
![César Azpilicueta celebrating.](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mixcollage-27-dec-2023-12-39-pm-8385.jpg)
![Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta reacts](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mixcollage-12-nov-2023-12-11-pm-369.jpg)
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
![Cristiano Ronaldo](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cristiano-ronaldo.jpg)
![Cristiano Ronaldo warming up for Al-Nassr](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mixcollage-18-may-2024-07-58-am-1923.jpg)
![Cristiano Ronaldo, pictured here scoring for Portugal, scoring against the French team at Euro 2020.](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mixcollage-22-mar-2024-05-27-pm-2527.jpg)
![Cristiano Ronaldo](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cristiano-ronaldo.jpg)
![Cristiano Ronaldo warming up for Al-Nassr](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mixcollage-18-may-2024-07-58-am-1923.jpg)
![Cristiano Ronaldo, pictured here scoring for Portugal, scoring against the French team at Euro 2020.](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mixcollage-22-mar-2024-05-27-pm-2527.jpg)
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.
![image2](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image2.jpg)
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Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal Statistics
Debut
August 20, 2003
Appearances
206
Goals
128
Assists
46
Norway
Martin Odegaard
![Martin Odegaard in action for Norway](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mixcollage-27-mar-2024-07-42-am-9161.jpg)
![martin odegaard-1](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/martin-odegaard-1.jpg)
![Martin Odegaard](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mixcollage-19-may-2024-07-24-pm-4973.jpg)
![Martin Odegaard in action for Norway](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mixcollage-27-mar-2024-07-42-am-9161.jpg)
![martin odegaard-1](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/martin-odegaard-1.jpg)
![Martin Odegaard](https://static0.givemesportimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mixcollage-19-may-2024-07-24-pm-4973.jpg)
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
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