Hazard offers prospects of brillliant future - Lampard

The veteran Chelsea midfielder believes his Belgian teammate can grow to become one of the best players in the world, comparing his style to Blues legend Gianfranco Zola.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes his teammate Eden Hazard can become one of the best players in the world.

Both Lampard and Hazard were on the scoresheet as the Blues triumphed 2-0 over West Ham on Sunday afternoon, and Lampard, whose header marked his 200th Chelsea goal, is of the opinion that Hazard could go on to become a legend at Stamford Bridge.

"Eden is 22. He has got the world at his feet and he can handle the pressure because he is that good," Lampard told Sky Sports. "His ability and speed off the mark and the way he is able to turn on a sixpence is what all great attacking players have and he's got it in abundance.

"He is very laid back, a great character and not too much bothers him by the look of it. That's the way he plays and it reflects in his game.

"I hope he carries on doing it because he's an absolute pleasure to play with."

Lampard, whose contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season, went on to compare Hazard to former Chelsea hero Gianfranco Zola.

"Zola did it throughout his career while Eden's at a relatively early part of his career," Lampard said. "But what he is showing now are glimpses that he can be in that bracket and be one of the top players in the world."


/Goal.Com/