Crystal Palace star pinpoints what made former Chelsea ace Eden Hazard his toughest opponent

It was not until you came up against Eden Hazard that you realised just how good he was.

That's the view of Crystal Palace star Jeffrey Schlupp, who has named the former Chelsea ace as the best player he has come up against in the Premier League.

Hazard starred for the Blues between 2012 and 2019, scoring 110 goals in 352 appearances in all competitions and winning the Premier League twice, the Europa League twice and the FA Cup and League Cup.

And Schlupp has described the Belgian as a special player, after being asked to name the best player he has faced by a fan during a live Q&A session via Palace's Instagram account.

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“We played against Barcelona in a pre-season game when I was at Leicester, so [Lionel] Messi, obviously," he said.

“But in the Premier League, I would say Eden Hazard, he is a special player.

“It is not until you come up against him, you realise, wow this guy is different.”

Schlupp was also asked who the best Manchester United player is that he has faced.

In reply, he said: "[Wayne] Rooney. [Angel] Di Maria was good when he was here, but I would go for Rooney. He is a special player as well."