- Rio Ferdinand called Eden Hazard ‘world class’ after his display against Qarabag
- Hazard scored and set up a goal as Chelsea won to qualify for the knockout stage
- The midfielder also received high praise from ex-Liverpool man Steven Gerrard
- Gerrard said the Belgium international ‘has got everything’ after the final whistle
Eden Hazard has been labelled ‘world class’ by former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand following his display in Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Qarabag.
The Belgium international starred for Antonio Conte’s side as they breezed past 10-men Qarabag in Azerbaijan to book their place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League.
Hazard converted from the spot after Rashad Sadygov was sent off for bringing down Willian in the area to set the Blues on their way to a comfortable victory.
Eden Hazard has been called ‘world class’ by Rio Ferdinand after Chelsea’s win over Qarabag
Hazard scored from the spot to open the scoring for Chelsea in Azerbaijan on Wednesday
His audacious flick to set-up his team-mate Willian for their second was exquisite, as was his overall performance.
And Ferdinand did not shy away from bestowing the highest praise upon on him after the final whistle.
‘He’s definitely world class,’ Ferdinand said. ‘He’s the reason that Chelsea were winning the league. he’s the reason if they go deep in this competition he’s going to have to play a huge role and do what he did tonight.’
Former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard didn’t contest and admitted Hazard has all the skills in the book.
‘He’s got everything. He scores goals, he creates goals, he’s got vision, speed, he’s direct but his awareness for that little backheel tonight was sensational. That was a little bit of world class in him right there,’ Gerrard said.
The Belgium international celebrated with Willian after setting him up for Chelsea’s second
Now that Chelsea have cemented their spot in the next round of the competition, Conte will want to turn his focus immediately back to the Premier League.
Chelsea’s title defence this season has been far from a disaster, but nine points behind league leaders Manchester City is equally as far from an ideal position.
Conte will be hopeful that Hazard, buoyed by the high praise of his former professionals, will be able to emulate his performance against Qarabag for their crunch clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday as they look to gain ground on City.
And after watching his performance, Ferdinand had no issues with labelling him world class
Steven Gerrard also heaped praise on the Belgium international, saying ‘he’s got everything’