# Sports

Eden Hazard is close to being on same level as Lionel Messi: Samuel Eto’o

A part of the Champions League-winning Barcelona team in 2005-06, Eto’o also said that Hazard could even go on to win the coveted Ballon d’Or if he indeed had the intention of getting there.

SNS | New Delhi | July 29, 2019 2:46 pm

Eden Hazard is close to being on same level as Lionel Messi: Samuel Eto’o

Former Barcelona star player Samuel Eto’o has stated that the new Real Madrid signing Eden Hazard is perhaps very close to being on the same level as the Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi.

The former Chelsea striker was speaking in an interview with Radio MARCA and El Partidazo of COP when he went on to state how Hazard had all the talent and skill in him that Messi has and it is just a matter of time before he raises the level of his game to match Messi.

A part of the Champions League-winning Barcelona team in 2005-06, Eto’o also said that Hazard could even go on to win the coveted Ballon d’Or if he indeed had the intention of getting there.

“Hazard has to win the Ballon d’Or,” Eto’o said in the interview.

“He has not been valued enough but now that he is at one of the best teams in the world, all eyes will be on him.

“He is close to Messi’s level and I hope that when he plays against Barcelona, he will be at his 100 per cent best,” he added.

Notably, Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in the ongoing transfer window for a transfer fee amounting to €100 million.

Hazard had an amazing run with Chelsea, winning the Premier League twice, FA Cup once, EFL Cup once and the Europa League twice.

His most recent Europa League win came in the previous season where Chelsea defeated Arsenal in the summit clash. Hazard had scored a goal in the match and a crucial assist to play a part in another goal. He was adjudged the Man of the Match in the final.