EDEN HAZARD is among the world’s top three footballers, according to Filipe Luis.
The Flamengo defender, formerly of Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and the Brazil national team, believes Hazard ranks alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Eden Hazard greatly impressed Filipe Luis at ChelseaCredit: Getty – Contributor
Brazilian full-back Luis spent one season with the winger at Stamford BridgeCredit: Bongarts – Getty
In a single season at Stamford Bridge, Luis witnessed the Belgian at his scintillating best, winning the 2014-15 Premier League and League Cup.
But he was left feeling that Hazard still could have done more to become the very best player around.
Luis told the Mail: “Eden along with Neymar are the best players I have ever played alongside – up there with Messi.
“He didn’t train well, five minutes before the game he would be playing Mario Kart in the dressing room.
“He would warm-up without tying his bootlaces up.
“But then no one could take the ball off of him. He would dribble past three or four players and win games on his own.
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“Hazard has so much talent.
“Perhaps he lacks a little bit of ambition to say, ‘I am going to be the best player in the world’. Because he could be.”
Many of Luis’ 44 caps for Brazil came alongside Neymar, who led Paris Saint-Germain to last season’s Champions League final.
The left-back, 35, has not played in the same team as Barcelona hero Messi but faced him many times in Spain.
Lionel Messi and Neymar were also placed on Filipe Luis’ podiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And he only won three of his 26 encounters with the Catalan giants, losing 13 times and getting sent off twice.
One particularly bruising meeting saw Messi net a hat-trick in a May 2011 win over Atleti, which saw Luis subbed off late on.
The veteran decided not to include Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo in his top three, despite suffering more defeats to Los Blancos (14) than any other side throughout his career.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
