Eden Hazard thinks his Chelsea teammate Ross Barkley has what it takes to become one of the world’s best midfielders.
After a long-term injury and lack of playing time under Antonio Conte last season, the former Everton man has undergone a rejuvenation since the arrival of Maurizio Sarri as manager this season.
Such has been the 24-year-old’s form that he has earned a recall to the England squad for the first time since 2016 and followed that up with arguably his best ever display in a Chelsea shirt away at Southampton on Sunday.
The Blues ran out 3-0 winners, with Barkley winning back possession then providing the assist for Hazard’s opening goal in the first half, before grabbing his first Chelsea goal himself in the second.
And, following that result, which leaves Chelsea joint-top of the Premier League, Hazard has been full of praise for his teammate and believes his new-found confidence can elevate him as one of the best midfielders in world football.
“He played a fantastic game today,” Hazard said at St Mary’s Stadium (via Goal).
“Of course, it is not just because he scored and got an assist. I think he is strong, you can see on the pitch that he is very strong. He had some bad moments last year and two years ago with injury but I think he can reach a fantastic level because he is a fantastic player.
“I remember that I was watching him at Everton. So, he is still young, I think he is a good player for the future of Chelsea. When you have confidence, you play more often. At the moment, he is playing, he played in the Europa League and today. He is playing 75 minutes.
“Confidence comes when you play games. So, I think he is a fantastic player. I think Ross, if you give him the freedom to play and the confidence on the pitch that he can be one of the best in the world in midfield. He is strong, powerful, can dribble, he is clever, shoot and score.
“He has everything to be the best. I think he is a fantastic midfielder and, if he has the players around him to help him play, then he can be one of the best.”
Barkley will be looking to use this run in the Chelsea team to earn a permanent place in Gareth Southgate’s England plans, starting when the Three Lions take on Croatia away in the UEFA Nations League on Friday.
The post Eden Hazard tips Ross Barkley to become one of the world’s best midfielders appeared first on Squawka News.
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