Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has stated that he will become the best player in the world, however, he has to get the better of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The winger has been in some superb form this season, having helped his side to the top of the Barclays Premier League, with just ten games of the season to play.
His club manager Jose Mourinho hailed the winger as the best player of his current generation, following his sides 3-1 win away at Fulham.
Speaking before Belgium’s match with the Ivory Coast, Hazard stated…
‘It was nice of my manager to say that, but the important thing is, I’m always testing myself, always challenging myself to do better,’ he said. ‘It is also good that Jose Mourinho is always in my face, telling me what he thinks, whether it is good or bad. That really keeps you on your toes, as a player, and is good for my progression.
‘I would like to be considered the best in the world, but there is a gap at the moment. What do I have to do to close it? Score goals, go past players, pass the ball. Basically the same as now, only two times better.
‘I have to excel at the highest level week-in week-out, but I cannot claim to be doing that yet. I think I have proved myself in the Premier League, but I have to do the same in the Champions League. That is the ultimate stage to judge yourself on. I have to show what I can do at that level, against the best around.’
However, Hazard realises that he must work harder to overcome both Ronaldo and Messi.
‘For example, I had a bad first half at Fulham last Saturday and just couldn’t get going. Then suddenly in the second half, I was moving and doing the right things without even thinking. I need to do that more often and over 90 minutes.
‘The Champions League is a goal for us as well as the Premier League, so it could be a hectic and demanding build-up to the World Cup. But it would mean so much to do well in Brazil, and I’m sure I will be ready. Belgium are not favourites, going into the tournament, but we may surprise a few people.’
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
