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Lille's Joe Cole: Eden Hazard is a bit like Barcelona's Lionel Messi with the fearless attitude of Manchester United's Wayne Rooney
The former Chelsea midfielder has compared the Belgium international to two of the biggest stars in football today and is convinced that the youngster can still get better
3 Jan 2012 13:28:00
By Stefan Coerts
Getty
Lille midfielder Joe Cole is full of praise for team-mate Eden Hazard and has likened the Belgium international to stars like Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.
Hazard is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents around in Europe, and Cole feels the winger is already an extraordinary player, despite the fact that he's only 20 years of age.
"Hazard is different class. He's still only 21 [sic] and has definitely got another few gears to go up. He's got the same attitude as Rooney at that age. He's fearless," Cole said to talkSPORT.
"He knows how good he is, and that's a positive thing. All the top players have got that belief and a bit of presence and arrogance, and he's like that.
"He's a bit like Messi. There's only one Messi and I don't want to put pressure on the kid, but he's like him - short, squat, powerful legs, great touch, he can finish, he's got everything."
Hazard has been linked with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Inter, Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past few months. He has a contract with Lille until June 2015.
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Hazard is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents around in Europe, and Cole feels the winger is already an extraordinary player, despite the fact that he's only 20 years of age.
"Hazard is different class. He's still only 21 [sic] and has definitely got another few gears to go up. He's got the same attitude as Rooney at that age. He's fearless," Cole said to talkSPORT.
"He knows how good he is, and that's a positive thing. All the top players have got that belief and a bit of presence and arrogance, and he's like that.
"He's a bit like Messi. There's only one Messi and I don't want to put pressure on the kid, but he's like him - short, squat, powerful legs, great touch, he can finish, he's got everything."
Hazard has been linked with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Inter, Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past few months. He has a contract with Lille until June 2015.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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