Thursday, 31st January, 2013

Lille schemer Marvin Martin has played down comparisons with Eden Hazard and explained he still has to adapt to playing for Rudi Garcia’s men.

Martin was snapped up by the 2011 Ligue 1 champions from Sochaux over the summer, as Hazard departed for Chelsea. And due to the pair occupying somewhat similar positions and having some shared characteristics, Martin was assumed to have been bought to replace the Belgian.



He has struggled to hit top gear for Lille yet though and feels he is still adapting to his new club.

"I am very happy and I am proud to be a Lille player", Martin told RTL.

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"It is the first time I have moved clubs. I still have to adapt and I am working hard to show my best", he continued.

"I’ve heard a lot of things", the midfielder said on the subject of comparisons with Hazard.

"Eden and I do not have anything in common. We do not have the same qualities.

"Eden did great things with Lille. I have to be mentally strong to withstand the criticism."

Lille are having an underwhelming season so far and sit just eleventh in Ligue 1 currently, having won just seven of their 22 games.

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