Ross Barkley: Eden Hazard is ‘magical’

Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has heaped praise on teammate Eden Hazard calling the Belgium international ‘magical’ after his stunning performance against Bournemouth in the League Cup. Hazard who came on as a substitute scored the lone goal in the fixture with six minutes left on the clock as Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea squeezed past Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth to reach the semi-final of the cup tournament. They will next face London rivals Tottenham Hotspurs in the semi-finals over two legs.

Barkley who was handed a start was replaced by ‘magical’ Hazard who made all the difference and the England international claims he knew that a Chelsea goal was coming as soon as Hazard stepped on the field.

“The way we were playing you could see we had the belief that a goal was going to come. When Eden got that goal, he can produce magic moments like that. Credit to him and the team who got stuck in. He’s playing really well. He’s up there with the best in the world. He can produce goals like that out of nothing and to play with a player like that is fantastic. He’s relaxed, but once he’s on the training pitch he’s magical. He plays with enjoyment. He scores goals and creates goals. He’s laid-back, but on game day he’s ready to make things happen.”

Ross Barkley on Eden Hazard

Hazard is enjoying the form of his life right now having scored 10 goals and registering 9 assists games across all competitions this season. The 28-year-old will enter the final year of his contract next summer and Chelsea would are keen on him signing a new deal, however, interest from Real Madrid has had the Belgian in two minds.

Hazard was doubtful for the clash against the Cherries after having picked up a knock against Brighton but when Chelsea were running out of ideas, Sarri had to summon his best player. With Tottenham their next opponents in the League Cup, Sarri and Chelsea fans will be hoping the Belgian will continue Barkley purple patch and sign a new deal as soon as possible.