Belgium manager Marc Wilmots has heavily criticised Premier League duo Eden Hazard and Christian Benteke for their performances against Cyprus last night.
Wilmots‘ men ended up picking up three points on the night thanks to a late goal from the Chelsea star, but that didn’t save him from criticism from the manager, who labeled him ‘the worst player on the pitch.’
“He (Hazard) was the worst tonight,’ said Wilmots after the game.
“I thought about substituting him, but in the last 10 minutes he always has the ability to do that [score]. At the World Cup, this was the case.
“I obviously expect more from him, but he will grow as the season progresses.”
Hazard has had a slow start to the campaign with Chelsea as well, admitted that his form has been below-par and not as good as last season.
The Belgium manager was then asked about why he subbed Liverpool striker Benteke off at half-time, and he admitted that it was because of the half-performance he put in.
Benteke was replaced by club team-mate Divock Origi, who won the praises of Wilmots for his efforts in the second-half.
Wilmots added: “The contribution of Origi and [Dries] Mertens in the second half was important, because I wanted quick combinations. As a result, in the last half hour we were often dangerous.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt