Cape Town - Casemiro admits Eden Hazard is still adjusting to life at Real Madrid although he feels he is one of the world’s best players.
Hazard made a big-money move to the Bernabeu in the summer after seven years with Chelsea although he has yet to make the expected impact.
Following an injury-plagued start to his time with the capital club, the 28-year-old has now made five appearances in all competitions, but he has yet to set the world alight and is goalless to date.
He was unable to make much of an impact on Tuesday evening as Los Blancos played out a 2-2 home draw with Belgian side Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Casemiro remains a big fan of the Belgium international and is certain he will finally make his mark at the club.
"Hazard is trying, but football is about goals," Casemiro told Marca. "We know he is among the world’s top five players and it is normal to have a period of adaptation."
Hazard was a superstar at Stamford Bridge, netting 110 goals in 352 appearances for the Blues, while regularly dazzling with his silky skills.
While Chelsea is a big club, Real is a step up and it may be the diminutive forward needs time to find his feet.
However, the fans are unlikely to be as forgiving as his team-mates and unless Hazard starts producing the goods, they might turn on the new signing.
Hazard will get his next chance to impress when second-placed Granada visit Madrid on Saturday afternoon.
- TeamTalk Media