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Since the end of November, Eden Hazard has been one of the very top players in English football -- and, perhaps, in Europe. He was the subject of some pointed remarks from Jose Mourinho in the summer, indicated that he was expecting more from the young Belgian this season, and said remarks have yielded extraordinary results. Hazard has evolved from a talented but mercurial winger into a consistent threat who helps the team on both sides of the ball.
But he's still his happy-go-lucky self. Our favourite Belgian journalist, Kristof Terreur, recently sat down with Hazard in an interview that's a must-read for Chelsea fans. Here's an excerpt:
Before [I joined Chelsea] I knew I was a good player, but not one of the better players in the world. Now I realize that I can compete with Messi and Ronaldo in the near future, if I put in some more effort. I don’t know if I will ever reach their level. It’ll be hard, they have incredible stats, but I accept the challenge.
If that doesn't get you excited, there might be something wrong with you. There's more where that came from, too -- Terreur covers everything from his recent improvement, his career goals and his personality off the pitch. Why aren't you reading it yet?