Zidane: Hazard Among The Elite  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard is one of the top three players in the world, according to Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.

The Champions League holders were recently linked with the Belgian, who Zidane believes should now be spoken of in the same breath as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 24-year-old, who last year claimed fellow-No 10 Zidane was 'his hero', has since committed his future to the Premier League champions-elect by signing a new contract until the summer of 2021.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho recently said every player has a price, but insists he has no intention of selling one who is favourite for Sunday's PFA Player of the Year award.

Speaking to fifa.com, World Cup winner Zidane said: "There are players I keep an eye on and who I like a lot, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, of course.

"They are fantastic players, but I like Eden Hazard a lot too. I enjoy everything he does on the pitch.

"I like the way he carries himself, that decisive streak in him and the fact that he's improving every year.

"He can still get better too, and I think he's a big reason why Chelsea are on top of the table."
Hazard, who joined Chelsea in 2012 from Lille for £32m, scored his 18th goal of the season in last weekend's 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Victory at Arsenal on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, will give Chelsea the chance to secure the Premier League title seven days later at Leicester, also live on Sky Sports.