Eden Hazard has been likened to Lionel Messi by Belgium coach Graeme Jones, with the Chelsea playmaker considered to be a “match-winner” capable of game-changing moments.
At 27 years of age, the two-time Premier League title winner should be at his peak.
His performances at club level suggest that he is a member of the global elite, with his exploits for Chelsea having drawn admiring glances from La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid.
Jones is not surprised to have seen such talk surface, with it his opinion that Hazard is one of the finest players on the planet and part of a select pool of talent which is capable of producing moments of magic.
Roberto Martinez’s assistant told reporters ahead of a World Cup clash with England: “If you look at the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United, Eden won the trophy on his own for Chelsea that day.
“They won 1-0, Eden won the penalty and then scored it.
"He is at that stage in his career where he has become a match-winner.
"There aren’t many in international football. Messi is also one of them.
“Eden is at his peak. He is fit, mentally strong, he has experience and is comfortable with his game."
Hazard is a doubt for Belgium’s game with England on Thursday after picking up a slight knock.
Martinez has already stated that he will make “major changes” to his side for a contest which has little riding on it, with both nations already safely through to the last 16.
Hazard will, however, be expected to shine in the knockout stages, with the Red Devils considered by many to be dark horses to go all the way at Russia 2018.
Once that campaign is over, attention can then be shifted back to club matters, with the door having been left open to a potential summer move away from Stamford Bridge.
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