Chelsea's Hazard 'thrilled' to be compared to World's best

Hazard scored three goals as he shone for his nation in Russia during the summer. And the diminutive winger has continued where he left off at the start of this season, scoring five goals in the 'Blues' opening six Premier League games, as well as adding an exquisite late winner against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third-round on Wednesday. 

Current assistant manager for Chelsea, Gianfranco Zola, has said that Hazard's brilliant solo effort against Liverpool is the exact proof that the Belgian is right up with the very best at the top of the game, without even having fulfilled his true potential yet.  Zola spoke wax-lyrical about Hazard in a recent interview with 'The Telegraph' saying;"I don't think in my opinion he has reached his full potential. He can still use his skills in a better way. I truly believe this. I think this year, the team, Maurizio in particular, will help him to reach his full potential."

 

26 September 2018

Hazard spoke to the media himself following his match-winning cameo against Liverpool, and when asked about the praise from his assistant coach, Hazard said: "At the moment, I am just scoring goals, so that is why everyone is talking for me to be in the top three. It is a pleasure to be there. I just want to keep going."

Recently manager Maurizio Sarri has called on Hazard to be more clinical, in order to reach the goal-scoring numbers of the very top players in the world, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However Hazard has admitted that, although he aspires to reach these great heights individually in the coming season, he would trade personal achievements for silverware with club Chelsea. 

Of the targets set by his manager, Hazard said: "It is not important how many goals I score. You know me, I don't care about that. I just want to enjoy my football and win games.My target is to win something every year, I want to win trophies."

After inflicting Liverpool's first defeat of the season during the past week, Hazard and Co will look to end the 'Merseysiders' 100% record in the Premier League as well this weekend, when they welcome them to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.