Hazard feels Modric will win ballon d’Or  

Luka Modric will complete the herculean task of breaking the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or accolade, according to Chelsea and Belgium star Eden Hazard. The Real Madrid man is a favourite to achieve the trophy on the back of a stellar club season and World Cup.

After having helped Real Madrid to a third Champions League crown in as many years, Modric stole the show in the World Cup, guiding Croatia to the final and claiming the Golden Ball. For the same, he also picked up the FIFA's Best Men's Player award last month, upstaging Los Blancos teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah.

Hazard, who has an outside chance of winning it, had his say on who should take the prize away. The Belgian was the second best player in the World Cup, having spearheaded his side to a third-place finish. Last season for Chelsea, the 27-year-old finished with 17 goals and 13 assists.

Speaking in a news conference, the Chelsea forward said, 'I don't think I'm going to win it. In my opinion, Modric deserves it.”

Speaking of other realistic contenders, he commented: 'There are three to four players. I could say [Madrid and France defender Raphael] Varane because he won a lot too. I could deserve it too, let's not lie. But seriously, I think that Modric will win it. It is going to be a reward for his wonderful season in the Champions League and the final of the World Cup.'

The football fraternity will have to wait for about two months to find out who stamps their authority on the distinguished prize.

Hazard and his Belgium side take on Switzerland in the Nations League on Friday, before taking on the Netherlands in a friendly. Post international break, he will be looking to add to his tally of seven goals when Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge.