Phil Jones Names Chelsea Legend Eden Hazard as His ‘Toughest Opponent’

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has revealed that Eden Hazard was the hardest player he ever faced, admitting he “couldn’t play against him” during his Premier League career.

Jones, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, came up against some of the best players of his generation. Despite never fully living up to the hype at United, he made over 200 appearances and was part of the squad that won the club’s last Premier League title.

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Hazard: Unplayable According to Jones

Speaking on MUTV, Jones singled out Hazard as his toughest opponent:

“I’ve said on the podcast, I couldn’t play against Eden Hazard.
He had that season, a couple of seasons, where he was just unplayable. Low centre of gravity, you would try to close him down, try to nail him, and he just twisted me up!”

Just one of many footballers who will have hated coming up against Eden Hazard in his prime.

Phil Jones outlined how Hazard gave him the toughest tests in his playing days.

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Hazard spent seven years at Chelsea, establishing himself as a club great. His time at Stamford Bridge included two Premier League titles, two Europa League trophies, an FA Cup, and a Carabao Cup. Beyond silverware, Hazard won four Chelsea Player of the Year awards and was named in the PFA Team of the Year on four occasions.

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Hazard Nearly Joined Manchester United

Interestingly, Hazard almost joined Manchester United before signing for Chelsea. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Hazard revealed he had conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson, Tottenham, and Manchester City prior to committing to Stamford Bridge:

“I knew I was leaving France to go to the Premier League but not Chelsea, because I wanted to play in the Champions League. You know, that move came because [John Obi Mikel] won the Champions League.”

🫶🏼 ‘THANK YOU @didierdrogba!’@hazardeden10 reveals @ChelseaFC were never a viable option when plotting his Lille exit in 2012…

That was until the 👑 stepped in!

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His move to Chelsea proved pivotal, allowing him to shine on the biggest European stage before later joining Real Madrid, where he experienced a less successful four-year spell.

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Hazard’s Retirement

Hazard retired in 2023 at the age of 32, a decision some viewed as premature. Reflecting on his career, he explained:

“You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time.
After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.”

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Eden Hazard’s legacy at Chelsea remains iconic, with his skill, creativity, and trophy haul ensuring he is remembered as one of the club’s all-time greats — and the player even Phil Jones admits he couldn’t handle on the pitch.