Chelsea Talisman Eden hazard have brushed asides talks of comparison between him and the Barcelona hitman Lionel Messi ahead of the crunch champions league knockout tie at the bridge on Tuesday.
Chelsea host the La Liga leaders in the first leg of the last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge on Tuesdayand the game will give Hazard a chance to showcase his quality against brilliant Messi, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner. However, Messi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo are both now into the twilight of their football career, the 27-year-old Hazard have been listed as one of the names who has been suggested as a potential future candidate for the tag of world’s best player with the likes of Neymer, Dybala, Bale and Coutinho on the books. Eden Hazard have in overall been a consistent performer at the bridge since his arrival back in the summer of 2012 as the Belgian have won the player of the season award twice as Chelsea have lifted trophy in his era. His recent heroics have attracted a suitors including Zidane who have made him no 1 in his wish list ahead of the summer.
When asked about comparisons with Messi on the eve of their cracker, the Belgian was dismissive though agreed that such occasions are where big players are expected to shine. “First it is good to be compared with the greatest ever, but I am completely different,” said Hazard. “We play in different leagues. I try and do my job, I try to reach that level, their level, because they are the best in the world. “To play against Messi is always good. I did once in the World Cup (for Belgium v Argentina in 2014) and we lost the game, so I hope tomorrow is going to be different.
The Belgian was quick to confirm that he is currently happy at Chelsea, despite transfer news about his future, with Real Madrid reported to be interested.