Hazard, Fabregas, and Terry nominated for Premier League Hall of Fame

Chelsea trio Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, and John Terry have been nominated for the 2024 Premier League Hall of Fame inductee list.

They could join former left-back Ashley Cole, who was inducted into the prestigious group this morning.

Playmaker Eden Hazard joined the Blues in 2012 and grew into one of the finest players of his generation at Stamford Bridge. The Belgian helped the club claim the Europa League in his first season and made it into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

The following season, he became the club’s talisman and won the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Hazard, now retired at 33, made 284 league appearances for the West Londoners, bagging 85 goals and 34 assists before a ghastly transfer to Real Madrid after years of agitating for a move. 

Fabregas already had a PL pedigree from his time at Arsenal after joining the Gunners’ academy at 16. He had broken out immediately under Arsene Wenger but truly established himself in the first team in the 05/06 season.

The Spaniard replaced Patrick Vieira and imposed his different brand of football, catching the eye with his ability to split defences with his incredible passing.

The now Como manager helped Arsenal to the FA Cup and later took over as captain before an ill-advised move to Barcelona.

However, Chelsea/Jose Mourinho brought him back to England, and he played a pivotal role as the Blues claimed the league and League Cup in 2015. He was also key under Antonio Conte, adding another league title and the FA Cup.

He is up against his former teammate, John Terry, for a place in the HOF. The English defender is arguably the best centre-half the league has ever seen, excelling in the air and on the ground due to his stellar ability to read the game.

Terry was just as cultured on the ball. He spread the ball with authority (and both feet), helping Chelsea to start attacks from the back. 

Apart from preventing goals, he was also adept at scoring them for himself, scoring 41 in 492 league appearances – no central defender has more in the PL.