Chelsea star can replace Messi, Ronaldo as world’s best, claims ex-midfielder
The Liverpool legend believes Chelsea star Eden Hazard can become the world's best player
Eden Hazard has the talent to take over the mantle as the world’s best footballer from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Graeme Souness.
The Belgium international has made a brilliant return from a serious ankle problem after the attacker missed the start of the 2017-18 season.
Hazard scored twice in Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening to take his tally to five Premier League goals this term.
The 26-year-old has now scored eight goals and has made four assists in 18 appearances in all competitions for the west London outfit this term.
Hazard scored 16 times in the Premier League last season to help Chelsea win the top-flight crown ahead of Tottenham Hotspur under Antonio Conte.
The Belgian forward netted 14 goals in Chelsea’s title-winning campaign in the 2014-15 season to win the PFA Premier League player of the year.
Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Souness believes Hazard is capable of emulating Messi and Ronaldo as the world’s best footballer.
“When you think of the players who can take the mantle from the two top players at the moment – Messi and Ronaldo – Hazard comes into that category. He is that good,” Souness told Sky Sports.
“His best years are ahead of him. My only criticism of him is that sometimes he’s not bang at it, but when he is in the mood he was today he is unplayable.
“The truly great players become unplayable, and when he is at it he certainly is great.
“You can set all the bear traps and obstacles for him but, like all the great players, he finds a solution to what’s put in front of him.
“He’s among a handful of players who you can say are unplayable on their day.”
Hazard has won two Premier League titles, the Europa League and the League Cup during a five-season spell at the west London outfit.
The Belgian forward has been linked with a potential move to La Liga giants Real Madrid regularly over the past two or three seasons.
