Redknapp says Hazard is reaching new levels

The pundit, in quotes reported on 'Sky Sports', says that interviewing the Belgian for the English news agency was enlightening, comparing the experience to interviewing his compatriot Kevin De Bruyne, 

The former England midfielder commented: ''It was great to get an insight into his thought processes and approach when he's on the pitch.

''He's had a great start to the season and is in fantastic form, so it was a good time to go through some clips with him to look at why he's been doing so well under new boss Maurizio Sarri.

''I love the Match Zone and the players seem to embrace it, too. But what was interesting with Hazard this week was how he contrasts with a player like Kevin De Bruyne, who I spoke to last season.

''With the Manchester City midfielder, he wants to understand every tactic, every detail and plays football like it's a game of chess. Whereas someone like Hazard is a genius who plays off the cuff.

''You ask Hazard "what are you thinking here" and he says "well, I just want to get into the box and take someone on!" I love that. It's innocence, like a kid in a school playground.

''But actually Hazard's become a leader for that Chelsea team now. He took on more responsibility with Belgium at the World Cup, where he carried the burden for them, and he feels like that's what he has to do for Chelsea now.

''Tactically, his action areas are far more central now, as he likes to get into that number 10 position, but he still loves to get there by coming in off the left-hand side, where he might find some space.

''Sarri has given him the freedom to do that - but I don't think we should be branding him as a new version of Eden Hazard. When Chelsea last won the league he was brilliant then, too.

''This season, though, he's getting goals - and he's not always had that end product. He's realised that to get on the back pages of papers you've got to score goals. That's what Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo do.

''Sarri has said to him he wants 40 goals from him. After the start he's made it is not unrealistic - although it will take some doing.''