Monday Night Football pundit Jamie Carragher has named Eden Hazard the best player in the Premier League following his goal against West Ham to put Chelsea's top four hopes back on track.
Speaking at half-time as the Blues lead their London rivals at Stamford Bridge, the former Liverpool defender explained why his moment of genius summed up the reasons he is a level above the likes of Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne, Paul Pogba, Mohamed Salah and the other contenders that come up when fans debate who is the most impressive footballer in the English top flight.
The Belgian picked up the ball in the middle of the West Ham half to drive forward and slalom his way into the box to put the ball into the back of the net in order to give Maurizio Sarri's side the lead.
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Carragher has long admired Hazard and told his Sky Sports colleagues why the winger gets his vote when it comes to deciding who is the best of the best in the Premier League amid heavy speculation that Chelsea could lose their talisman to Real Madrid this summer.
"Before tonight I loved him as a player," he said. "I think he’s the best player in the Premier League, and even more so now. The only worry now for everyone is he may not be in the league next season. What a goal and what a player.
"The best bit is not when he goes through the midfield, it’s on the edge of the box. He doesn’t just slash at the ball, he thinks: 'No I’m going to get a proper finish away and I’m going to finish this properly' - on his supposed weak foot."
Hazard has now scored 15 league goals for Chelsea this season. If he can score two more before the end of the campaign he will beat his personal best of 16.
The 28-year-old has already set a new record for assists in a single season with 12 to his name, one more than his previous best in a Premier League season.
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