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Eden Hazard has been on fire this season, and the Chelsea star is putting on performances that’s making him earn similar recognition with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Hazard was outstanding in Chelsea’s 4-1 victory against Cardiff City, and has been the talk of pundits ever since.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has hailed Hazard and called him ‘the best of the best’.

“He’s the best of the best, in my opinion,” he said.

“You just can’t mark him, you just cannot mark him.

“He goes past people standing still and then when he goes past them, he’s off.

“He’s always got his head up, it’s not like he’s looking at socks and boots, he gets his head up and he’s always looking.”

Merson also believes that Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has a good understanding with Hazard and is helping Hazard reach top form.

He added: “I think Giroud’s a massive help for him, he’s on his wavelength.

“Giroud’s got a great touch for a centre-forward and he brings people into the game.”

Hazard has been the star man in Maurizio Sarri’s Sarri-ball system and has been the one to make the difference when things get tough. The Belgian has scored five goals in five games, and Sarri is protecting his star man from injury and fatigue.

Hazard was given a much deserved rest in Chelsea’s Europa League clash against PAOK having complained of tiredness, and it’s obvious Sarri is keen to keep the 27-year-old happy and fresh all season.