MX23RW : Sunday, April 6 12:25:05| >> :600:418759459:418759459:

Joe Cole: 'Eden Hazard is like Lionel Messi'

Cole: 'Hazard is like Messi'
© PA Photos
Lille midfielder Joe Cole believes that his teammate Eden Hazard has the same qualities as Lionel Messi.

Lille midfielder Joe Cole has compared his teammate Eden Hazard to Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

The Belgian playmaker is thought to be wanted by Europe's top clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"Hazard is different class. He's still only 21 and has definitely got another few gears to go up. He's got the same attitude as Rooney at that age – he's fearless," Cole told talkSPORT.

"He knows how good he is, and that's a positive. All the top players have got that belief and a bit of presence and arrogance, and he's like that.

"He's a bit like Messi. There's only one Messi and I don't want to put pressure on the kid, but he's like him – short, squat, powerful legs, great touch, he can finish, he's got everything."

Despite interest around the player, Cole believes that he should stay with the French side.

"The best thing is for him to stay at Lille for as long as he can," added Cole. "He's playing for a good club, winning titles and there's plenty of time [for him] to go elsewhere. The fans love him, the players love him and we want him to stay."

Cole is currently on a season-long loan with Lille from Liverpool.

ID:11717: cacheID:11717:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2072:
Written by
Jack Prescott
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Cristiano Ronaldo
Read Next:
Petit: 'Ronaldo deserves Ballon d'Or over Messi'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool30227170274373
2Arsenal311711356263062
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest31176851371457
4Chelsea30157854371752
5Manchester CityMan City30156957401751
6Aston Villa3114984646051
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle29155949391050
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton31121184947247
9Bournemouth311291051401145
10Fulham3012994440445
11Crystal Palace30111093935443
12Brentford30125135147441
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd30107133741-437
14Everton31714103338-535
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham3198143552-1735
16Tottenham HotspurSpurs301041655441134
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves3195174359-1632
18Ipswich TownIpswich3148193165-3420
19Leicester CityLeicester3045212567-4217
20Southampton3024242271-4910


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!