EDEN HAZARD and Dele Alli will both be in the spotlight when Chelsea face Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday. Express Sport asked Spurs and Argentina legend Ossie Ardiles to give his run down on the pair and judge who will come out on top at Wembley.
By TONY BANKS
By TONY BANKS
1) How would you compare Ali and Hazard as players?
“It is always difficult to make comparisons because players have different attributes. They are very, very similar in some ways, different in others. Both, though, are tremendous players, both are very, very talented.
“Both can create chances and take them. Alli can score more goals than Hazard. Hazard plays more on the left, while Alli likes to play behind the front player. Of the two Alli is the more complete player because he can also defend when he has to and he does that very well.”
2) Are they the players that can be the match winners on Saturday?
“Most definitely. Hazard is having a tremendous season but so too is Alli. If you really, really pressed me, than I would pick Ali above Hazard – although I know I will be accused of a Tottenham bias! But for me I feel Deli Alli is more of a match winner.”
3) Hazard mainly starts on the left but also has a free role, as Ali does at Spurs. Does that suit them?
“Hazard normally starts on the left, but he tends to wander, and is just as comfortable on the right or through the middle, and he is also very effective if played up front. All is far more comfortable through the middle behind Harry Kane or a front two, but he too likes to wander and he too has the ability to move around with the minimum of effort.
“That is the sign of a wonderful player, and while they can both do this, it is more pronounced with Alli in the way he can create but also score.”
4) Hazard is now rated with Messi and Ronaldo as one of the best in the world. Can Ali match that?
“Clearly Ronaldo and Messi are recognised as being the best in the world, and quite rightly so. Hazard and Alli have enormous talent and enormous potential, but I don’t know whether they can be compared to Ronaldo and Messi right now.”
5) Are there any flaws in their individual games?
“Everybody has flaws, no one is perfect. Both are still very young and can correct those flaws. There is a lot of talk about Alli’s character but I don’t feel it’s such a negative. I like a player with a touch of arrogance, and while he has been sent off I am sure the manager’s style is to have a quiet word.
“The key is that both payers continue to learn. My philosophy is that you can’t stand still, and at their age they must continue to improve, continue to learn.”
6) Hazard now Belgium’s skipper. Is Alli a future England skipper?
“Very clearly yes. He is an outstanding character, and for me the most prominent talent right now in England.
7) What has impressed you most about Alli since he arrived at Spurs?
“When he arrived at Tottenham he was a rough diamond, but Pochettino has made sure he has improved and it has surprised me how much – his improvement has been phenomenal. I hope he carries on surprising me.”
8) Which one will come out on top tonight?
“It’s not only these who will determine the outcome of the game, although they will have a big say. It is a very tough game to call, it will be very close indeed. But I am very confident that Spurs will win.”
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