Euro 2016: Wales might have Gareth Bale but Belgium star Toby Alderweireld reckons Eden Hazard is just as good
All eyes will be on the two global superstars when Chris Coleman and Marc Wilmot's men lock horns in quarter-final
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TOBY ALDERWEIRELD says Belgian magician Eden Hazard is every bit as good as Gareth Bale.
The Tottenham defender was wowed as Chelsea star Hazard produced his finest international performance in the 4-0 destruction of Hungary.
Hazard’s brilliant solo goal capped a masterclass as the Belgians set up a quarter-final with Wales and Bale in Lille on Friday.
And Alderweireld, who scored the 10th-minute opener, said: “Eden is certainly up to the class of Gareth Bale. It was his best game for Belgium.
“His confidence is growing, he’s working hard to show what he can do and help the team and I think he was fantastic.
“When he plays like he did, he’s one of the best players in the world — he can compete with anyone. Hopefully he can keep this level up in this tournament.”
Coach Marc Wilmots raised eyebrows when he decided to make Hazard, 25, his skipper.
And where previous captain Vincent Kompany was vocal out on the field, Hazard is a lot quieter, letting his feet do the talking.
Alderweireld, 27, added: “He doesn’t say a lot but when he does speak, everyone listens to him because we all respect his quality and what he has done in his career up to now.
“He is a different type of captain to Kompany but I think he is a good guy for the team. He leads by example, by the way he plays football, as you could see against Hungary. It’s really important.
“It’s not always about being vocal — but more what he does during the game. When something important happens he will come and say something but not as much as Kompany.”
The central defender was delighted Belgium finally showed why they are ranked No 2 in the world — and among the favourites to win Euro 2016 — despite losing their opener to Italy.
Alderweireld said: “It was a wonderful win. People expect a lot from Belgium but we had a bit of pressure on our shoulders after we lost to Italy.
“I think we’re getting better now, improving with every game. But we haven’t done anything yet. We are in the quarter-finals and we have to work hard to proceed, because Wales are going to be tough opponents.”
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Alderweireld concedes the Welsh and talisman Bale are going to be a far tougher proposition than Hungary when they face them in Lille.
He added: “Bale is, of course, one of the best players in the world, with his all-round game. He is great at everything. They’re better than Hungary so it’s going to be tough to go through.”
Alderweireld is also looking forward to facing Spurs team-mate Ben Davies.
He added: “I haven’t spoken to Ben but I’m going to send him a message now to see if he’s ready because we’re coming!”
Hungary’s ex-Crystal Palace keeper Gabor Kiraly reckons Belgium are now the team to beat in the finals.
He said: “They were very good against us. All of them were good against us, not just Eden Hazard. They have to be the favourite for the tournament.
“They have such good players going forward especially and have a great opportunity to lift the trophy.”
