Kepa: Hazard Close To Messi And Ronaldo's level

By Joshua Walters

Chelsea goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga insists his teammate Eden Hazard is close to the level of Messi and Ronaldo.

Hazard, who admitted after the Europa League final that it could be his last game for the the Blues is said to have brought his long spell with Chelsea to an end by joining Real Madrid. 

The Belgium national team captain played a pivotal role in his side's run to the Europa League title as he netted a brace after Giroud and Pedro had put the Blues ahead.

Kepa, who has only played alonside Hazard just a season having joined the London based club from Spanish side Athletic Bilbao believes his teammate is close to the level of Messi and Ronaldo.

"He can do everything," Kepa told Marca.

"[He can] mark, assist, play as a false nine, play on the left, on the right, he is very fast, powerful, great in one-on-ones, plays well coming from deep.

"He is, for me, the best player in the Premier League.

"I could not say, but he is close.

"I put him among the five best in the world.

"He is a great player, and above all a great person. He is a guy that always boosts the dressing room.

"He's fun, quiet, and at 28 he's in a great personal and sporting situation, and it shows in the way he is playing." 

Hazrad has had an impressive season with Chelsea having won the Premier League's Playmaker of The Season and helping the side to a top four spot to book a place in Champions League football next season. 

With Hazard's current contract expected to expire at the end of next season, Chelsea are willing to cashout on him so they do not lose him on a free transfer status as he has been priced at £100m.