De Bruyne the best in the Premier League, says Hazard

Dom Farrell

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De Bruyne the best in the Premier League, says Hazard image

Eden Hazard has declared Belgium colleague Kevin De Bruyne to be the best player in the Premier League.

Chelsea playmaker Hazard scooped the PFA and Football Writers' Association Player of the Year awards for his displays during the 2014-15 season and also inspired Antonio Conte's side to Premier League glory last time around.

Man City 3-1 Leicester 9/1

Manchester City are leading the charge to dethrone Chelsea this season and De Bruyne has been their standout performer with a series of impeccable midfield performances.

Speaking ahead of Belgium's friendly at home to Mexico on Friday, Hazard was quick to concede his compatriot is currently number one in England's top flight.

"Kevin is definitely the best player in the Premier League at the moment," he said.

"City are the best Premier League team and Kevin is an important player in [Pep] Guardiola's system.

"It's easy to play with Kevin because we're good players."

Hazard's start to the current campaign was delayed as he completed rehabilitation following a fractured ankle suffered on international duty in June.

Although the 26-year-old feels back to his best – his excellent display during last weekend's 1-0 win over Manchester United would add weight to that view – he was realistic over his likely workload during this round of internationals, with Japan facing Roberto Martinez's Red Devils next week.

"Will I play both games? It would be silly to play 90 minutes twice but I still want to play," he said.

"Personally I feel good. There is no apprehension related to my return from injury.

"I am already at the top but I still hope to improve."

Dom Farrell

Dom Farrell Photo

Dom is the senior content producer for Sporting News UK. He previously worked as fan brands editor for Manchester City at Reach Plc. Prior to that, he built more than a decade of experience in the sports journalism industry, primarily for the Stats Perform and Press Association news agencies. Dom has covered major football events on location, including the entirety of Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup in Paris and St Petersburg respectively, along with numerous high-profile Premier League, Champions League and England international matches. Cricket and boxing are his other major sporting passions and he has covered the likes of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Wladimir Klitschko, Gennadiy Golovkin and Vasyl Lomachenko live from ringside.