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What's the story?
Chelsea main man Eden Hazard has urged the football fraternity to include him in the same bracket as football's two modern-day icons — Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The 28-year-old believes that he has added a spring to his step post the World Cup.
In case you didn't know...
Owing to his guile, dribbling skill, link-up play and a burgeoning ability to finish with finesse, Hazard is widely regarded as one of the very best in the present day. He has often drawn comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo but is way behind them in terms of goals.
The Belgian, however, netted his 100th goal for Chelsea recently.
The heart of the matter
The Chelsea talisman is enjoying his best season at Stamford Bridge, despite recent failures and blanks in front of the goal.
While there are questions raised over his playing position, Hazard has still mustered 10 goals and 10 assists so far in the league — the only player apart from Messi to record 10 or more goals and assists so far in Europe's top five leagues.
When asked about juxtapositions with the two top players, he told Goal:
"I have been at their table for a long time! I've taken a good turn since the World Cup. I feel it, even in the eyes of people. Before, in their eyes, it was: 'Yes, he is a very good player but can he be among the greatest?'"
He added that although there are a few players who have shown glimpses of the level illustrated by Messi and Ronaldo, it is impossible to achieve what they have in the last decade.
"But there is a time in which you have to stay grounded. For everything they have done over the last 10 years we cannot compare ourselves to them, it's impossible," he asserted.
Video: Eden Hazard is simply untouchable
What's next?
Hazard will have to prove his worth and take centre-stage in this blunt period for Chelsea when they host bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur on 24 January in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
They are trailing 0-1 in terms of the aggregate score.
