Zenden: 'Hazard must move for Ballon d'Or'

The Belgian has bagged seven goals in his last six league matches and has earned praise from all over Europe. Indeed, there has been speculation over his future at Chelsea, with Real Madrid reportedly leading the way for his signature. 

Former Chelsea midfielder Boudewijn Zenden believes it may require a move away to Spain for Hazard to win the Ballon d'Or one day, as twelve of the previous thirteen awards have been awarded to players from Barcelona and Real Madrid. 

Zenden, speaking to the 'Mirror', remarked: "It will be hard for Chelsea to keep him, with Barcelona, Real ­Madrid and Paris Saint­-Germain around. 

"He needs a move to ­Barcelona or Madrid to be up there, classed with the best in the world.

"Yes, he has done it in England. But with that platform of having played for the likes of Barcelona or Real, that is what they look for when they decide the player of the year.

"If you see Neymar going for £198million, Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo around £100m, then he will be up there as one of the biggest fees in history – and he should be.

"It's vital for them to keep him. He has incredible quality, he is a happy chap to have around the place, a ­brilliant professional and good in the dressing room. All in all, he is just ­a ­really good guy, as well as being a great player."