Jamie Carragher insists the Premier League is blessed with a number of brilliant playmakers but believes Eden Hazard stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Mesut Ozil turned in a man of the match performance during last weekend’s north London derby win over Tottenham, for whom Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli have been exceptional in recent years.
Manchester City can call upon the likes of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne to unlock defences, while Philippe Coutinho was the subject of two bids in excess of £100million from Barcelona last summer, and with good reason.
Hazard, meanwhile, has rediscovered his best form in recent weeks having finally regained full fitness after missing the start of the season as result of ankle surgery.
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The Belgium international has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances for club and country and Carragher believes he sets the standards that others aspire to.
He told the Daily Telegraph: ‘Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Mesut Ozil and Philippe Coutinho have all caught the eye at different periods.
‘But the finest of all in the Premier League has gone under the radar of late, and as a Liverpool supporter going into this weekend’s fixtures that worries me.
More: Arsenal FC
‘Eden Hazard remains the best number ten playing in England, and having missed the start of the season with injury he has been finding form of late – outstanding in Chelsea’s recent victories.
‘Hazard demonstrated his class when Chelsea defeated Manchester United recently, but there has been little acclaim for his re-emergence. Both he and Chelsea are improving. With the Belgian at his best Antonio Conte’s side are capable of going on the kind of run that made them title winners last season.
‘Kevin De Bryune has been the best attacking player in the league this season, playing a slightly different attacking midfield role. But of the number tens, Hazard sets the standard for others to follow..
MORE: Antonio Conte hails ‘dangerous’ Mohamed Salah ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool
MORE: Philippe Coutinho explains why Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is lighting up the Premier League
Jamie Carragher insists the Premier League is blessed with a number of brilliant playmakers but believes Eden Hazard stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Mesut Ozil turned in a man of the match performance during last weekend’s north London derby win over Tottenham, for whom Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli have been exceptional in recent years.
Manchester City can call upon the likes of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne to unlock defences, while Philippe Coutinho was the subject of two bids in excess of £100million from Barcelona last summer, and with good reason.
Hazard, meanwhile, has rediscovered his best form in recent weeks having finally regained full fitness after missing the start of the season as result of ankle surgery.
More: Football
The Belgium international has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances for club and country and Carragher believes he sets the standards that others aspire to.
He told the Daily Telegraph: ‘Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Mesut Ozil and Philippe Coutinho have all caught the eye at different periods.
‘But the finest of all in the Premier League has gone under the radar of late, and as a Liverpool supporter going into this weekend’s fixtures that worries me.
More: Arsenal FC
‘Eden Hazard remains the best number ten playing in England, and having missed the start of the season with injury he has been finding form of late – outstanding in Chelsea’s recent victories.
‘Hazard demonstrated his class when Chelsea defeated Manchester United recently, but there has been little acclaim for his re-emergence. Both he and Chelsea are improving. With the Belgian at his best Antonio Conte’s side are capable of going on the kind of run that made them title winners last season.
‘Kevin De Bryune has been the best attacking player in the league this season, playing a slightly different attacking midfield role. But of the number tens, Hazard sets the standard for others to follow..
MORE: Antonio Conte hails ‘dangerous’ Mohamed Salah ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool
MORE: Philippe Coutinho explains why Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is lighting up the Premier League
