Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has claimed that current Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was “the best ever” as a player.
Despite the goalscoring and playmaking excellence of Lionel Messi, the Belgian winger insists that Zidane remains the pinnacle because of his ability to dominate the big stage.
The Frenchman will be in charge of Los Blancos as they host Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night, and while Zidane is still unproven as a manager, Hazard is in no doubt of his unrivalled playing qualities.
Speaking on Chelsea’s official Facebook page during a Q&A after unveiling next season’s kit, Hazard revealed Zidane was his idol growing up.
The Belgian said: “He was elegant when he played. He wasn’t quick but he could do everything with the ball. He scored a lot of important goals in finals, like in the World Cup and the Champions League.
“He’s the best ever.”
Last season Hazard won the PFA Player of the Year following a sensational season in which he guided Chelsea to the title.
With José Mourinho setting the side up in a defensive shape it was often up to Hazard to single-handedly shoulder the attacking burden, and most of the time he was up to the task.
This season, however, Hazard has struggled to repeat his form. The 25-year- old remains linked with a summer move abroad, possibly to Zidane’s Madrid.
Despite his loyalties to Chelsea it is easy to see how the Belgian could be tempted by the chance to play for his idol.
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