Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes that Chelsea FC will need to have a produce a team effort if Eden Hazard leaves the club this summer.
The Belgium international has been strongly linked with a move away from Chelsea FC in recent weeks as his current contract at the club is due to expire at the end of next season.
Real Madrid are thought to be keen on a move to bring Hazard to the Bernabeu this summer as they prepare for a rebuild under Zinedine Zidane.
A deal has not yet been confirmed but Hazard himself has publicly said that he has already made a decision about his future.
Now, former Chelsea FC star Hasselbaink, speaking exclusively to The Sport Review on behalf of us-bookies.com, has given his take on the situation regarding Hazard and how the Blues will have to cope should he leave the club.
“For Chelsea to improve without Hazard, it has to be a collective effort,” Hasselbaink exclusively told The Sport Review.
“If you look to replace him, it’s the wrong thing to do. Nobody is going to be ready to come in and fill his boots.”
He continued: “It’s not fair for Calum Hudson-Odoi or Christian Pulisic to step in, it will be too much on their shoulders.
“Chelsea need to strengthen, find a balance in the squad, and focus on the team as a whole; not individuals.”
Hasselbaink also underlined his belief that it will be difficult for the Blues to be able to keep hold of Hazard beyond the summer transfer window given his contract situation.
“If Chelsea can keep Hazard, it would help them big time but it’s going to be difficult,” he added.
“Real Madrid are a dream club and he loves Zinedine Zidane so it will be tough. I think the situation is out of Chelsea’s hands.
“He’s an exceptional talent and he will make every team better, and can be a big influence in the Real Madrid squad now Cristiano Ronaldo has gone. It’s a big move for him and Real Madrid.”
Hazard and his Chelsea FC team-mates are preparing to take on Arsenal in the Europa League final in Baku on Wednesday night as they look to end the campaign with a trophy.