Antonio Conte is making some bumper plans to improve on his squad this summer and has been linked with the best in the business in Europe. The Blues might lose Belgian star Eden Hazard at the end of the season with Real Madrid circling, but Conte has his own plans to replace him. According to reports today, Chelsea (and Manchester United) have held talks with Barcelona star Neymar Jr for a move at the end of the season. The Brazilian playmaker is currently settled at the Camp Nou but Conte is convinced that he is the man that should replace Eden Hazard, should they lose him. So, how do the duo compare in their season in completely different leagues? Read on as we try to compare the numbers the two have achieved over the course of the current campaign.
Both players have played a similar number of domestic games this season and there is hardly anything to separate them. While Neymar has nine goals and nine assists to his name, Hazard has been slightly more productive, scoring 14 goals and picking up five assists for the Blues. However, the Barcelona man has created 14 chances more than the Chelsea man.
Barcelona are a team known for their passing movement but astonishingly, Eden Hazard as a pass completion of 84% and has made 1187 passes this season. The Brazilian is far behind, with an accuracy of just 77% and making just 968 passes. However, Neymar has made 10 key passes more than Hazard who has just 60 to his name this season.
The duo are exceptional dribblers of the ball and are a nightmare for defenders. Hazard has been more successful than Neymar in such one-on-one situations this season. He has close to 78% success rate on take ons while Neymar is lingering around 62%. Hazard loves to test the keeper from different angles and ranges while Neymar and his teammates generally love to roll the ball into the back of the net. This shows in the fact that Hazard has a shot accuracy 61% compared to just the 49% from the Barcelona star.
Neither of the players shy away from the dirty work but Hazard, once again, has been more productive this season in these terms. He has made 23 interceptions throughout the season while Neymar has managed just 10. The Chelsea man has also won 69% of his total duels in all areas while Neymar is not far behind with 64%.
Both players are in exceptional form, but playing for different leagues, it is really hard to compare their contribution to the respective clubs. But from the outside, both players have some astonishing numbers that are right up there with the best. So do you think Eden Hazard can be replaced by Neymar Jr this summer?
Stats taken from Squawka