Modric warns Hazard only 100% is good enough for Real Madrid

Luka Modric warned Eden Hazard that unless he is 100% ready for next season, things will get difficult for him at Real Madrid again.

Hazard suffered an injury-plagued debut campaign in the Spanish capital, managing just one goal and seven assists in 22 appearances across all competitions. It came in stark contrast to his usual figures at Chelsea.

The Belgium international provided 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 outings at Stamford Bridge. He also claimed two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, and an FA Cup for his efforts.

But an underwhelming first season for Real Madrid left him vulnerable for criticism. Not only did Hazard arrive out of shape, but he delivered some sub-par displays that left fans wondering what happened to the player that the club had spent €100m to sign last year.

Although Modric knows there is a lot more in the tank and hopes Hazard will be on top of his fitness and injury woes for the upcoming season.

“Eden is a great guy and a special player, but he was playing with pain and when you’re on the pitch, people always expect the best. They don’t care if you have little problems,” the Real Madrid midfielder told AFP.

“I spoke to him and said, ‘Eden maybe you need not to play now and recover because next season we need you at your best. This is a season where you’re getting to know everything but next season you need to be 100 per cent because if not, it’s going to be difficult’.

“Hopefully he comes back without any problems and then I’m sure he’ll show his potential and why the club bought him because we will need him a lot.”