Hazard is as good as Messi and Ronaldo and will only improve, says Terry

Apr 4, 2015 21:35:00

The Belgium international was on target again in the win over Stoke and his skipper says he possesses "a bit of magic" that can win games for the Blues

Chelsea captain John Terry says Eden Hazard is as good as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and will only improve, after the Belgium international helped the Blues to a 2-1 win over Stoke at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard opened the scoring from the penalty spot as Chelsea moved seven points clear at the top of the table with Loic Remy hitting the winner after Charlie Adam had pulled the Potters level.

There was, however, bad news for Jose Mourinho's side with top scorer Diego Costa substituted after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring problem, but Terry says Hazard can step up and be the Blues' match-winner.

"He has been excellent - he has been our best player by a long way this year," he told Sky Sports.

“In those games, as well, where you're looking for a little bit of something extra - a bit of magic from someone - he's the one who steps up and manages to create something...he's up there with the Messi's and Ronaldo's and can still get better and better."

Chelsea face a trip to Loftus Road next to take on QPR before games against Manchester United and Arsenal and Terry has urged his team to maintain their momentum.

"It's the old cliche, but tick a box, get three points today and move on. Massive game for us next week away to QPR, big London derby for us," he added.

"We've just got to frustrate teams. For the next two or three weeks, we've got some big games coming up so just keep putting three points on the board and making it difficult for the teams around us."