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Hazard has ability to be world's best, says Michael Ballack
But the former Chelsea star questions Hazard's desire
He says he should learn from world-class Luka Modric
CNN
—
Belgian forward Eden Hazard could be as good as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if he changes his attitude, according to former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack.
The attacker has been pivotal to Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season, scoring six league goals in his first seven games, but has often experienced dips in form throughout his stay in London.
Ballack wants to see more consistency and a better work ethic from the 27-year-old but questions whether Hazard has the drive to be considered amongst the best in the world.
“You have to ask him if he wants to compete on that level because he has the ability,” Ballack told CNN Sport.
“Sometimes he seems a bit happy with what he has, with the environment at Chelsea. He’s a great player, he shines a lot, he can switch on his engine when he wants.”
Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring his wonder goal against Liverpool in the League Cup.
Jan Kruger/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
‘Modric is a really good example’
Ballack points to the example of Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, who was recently named the FIFA Best Player of the Year.
“To be at the top, it’s much more than having one good season. That’s what I think he has to understand,” continued Ballack, referring to Hazard.
“[Luka] Modric is a really good example of what you can achieve with hard work. From being a top player to having an absolutely world-class season.”
“That’s what his target should be because he has the quality.”
Chelsea host Hungarian side MOL Vidi FC on Thursday in their second Europa League group game of the season, before a trip to Southampton just three days later.
Boss Maurizio Sarri rested Hazard for their first Europa League fixture against PAOK and he may be tempted to do the same again.
However, Ballack believes tiredness shouldn’t be an issue with a team like Chelsea competing for more than one trophy at a time.
“Every big club has to deal with it – this is a normal thing. When you’re a big player you need to adapt to that rhythm, there’s no doubt.”
“It’s not just being focused on one or the other. If you’re a good player, playing for a great club, you have to play two or three times a week with no problem.”
Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric thanked his family, fans and captain of the Croatian 1998 World Cup team Zvonimir Boban after being named Best FIFA men's player of 2018.
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Modric was also part of the FIFPro World XI side, marking a global All-Star team for the year. His Real Madrid teammates Sergio Ramos (left) along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo were also named on the side.
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The FIFPro World XI awards were presented by former Brazil and Barcelona player Ronaldinho (far left) and Brazil and PSG defender Dani Alves (second to left).
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Orlando Pride and Brazil forward Marta received her trophy for the Best FIFA Women's Player of 2018 Award on Monday. Marta was the runner-up in 2016.
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Former Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger presented Didier Deschamps the award for manager of the year. Deschamps led France to a World Cup win in July.
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Former Italian referee Pierluigi Collina (R) and former Italy and AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini presented an award on the evening for fair play, which went to German player Lennart Thy.
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The Best FIFA Football Awards 2018
‘Dream final’
Ballack made 98 appearances for Germany in a 17-year career, playing in both the German Bundesliga and English Premier League.
The 42-year-old believes two of his former clubs, Bayern Leverkusen and Chelsea, have a good chance of making the Europa League final this year.
“A good final would be between a German and an English club, because I played in both leagues,” he told CNN Sport.
“I would love to see [Bayern] Leverkusen and Chelsea obviously. It’s a dream final for me to watch. But I see [RB] Leipzig also as a club who can reach the final.”
Neymar scored two free kicks to complete a stunning hat-trick as PSG routed Red Star Belgrade 6-1 at the Parc des Princes. The Brazilian, who equaled compatriot Kaka's record of 30 Champions League goals, was joined on the scoresheet by Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria and Edinson Cavani.
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Ivan Rakitic's stunning volley was the pick of the goals in an enthralling encounter at Wembley, as Barcelona edged past Tottenham 4-2. Goals from Harry Kane and Erik Lamela weren't enough as Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho secured three points for the visitors.
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An Antoine Griezmann brace guided Atletico Madrid to a hard-fought victory over Belgian side Club Brugge. The hosts were pegged back in the first half by Arnaut Groeneveld's strike, before Griezmann came to the rescue with his second and Koke added a third late on.
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Lorenzo Insigne struck in stoppage time to give Napoli a deserved last-gasp victory over Liverpool. The Naples-born forward latched onto Jose Callejon's pinpoint cross to send his team top of Group C.
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On Tuesday, CSKA Moscow stunned Real Madrid at the Luzhniki Stadium thanks to Nikola Vlasic's early strike. Despite goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev being sent off in stoppage time, CSKA held on for a famous victory and go top of Group G.
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Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Ajax after Mats Hummels' early strike was canceled out by 20-year-old Noussair Mazraoui. It leaves the defending German champions second in Group E behind their Dutch opponents.
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David Silva struck a late winner against Hoffenheim to ease Manchester City's Champions League worries on a tough night in Germany. Going into the match, Pep Guardiola was on a run of five defeats in six Champions League games after the opening-match defeat to Lyon.
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Manchester United's tame goalless draw at home to Valencia will have done nothing to calm the speculation surrounding Jose Mourinho's future at Old Trafford. It leaves the Portuguese without a win in four consecutive home matches for the first time in his career.
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Paulo Dybala took home the match ball as Juventus eased past Young Boys 3-0. It maintains the Italian side's 100% start to Group H, while Swiss side Young Boys remain without a win.
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Stunning Neymar hattrick helps PSG ease past hapless Red Star Belgrade
‘Ozil has to focus on is football’
Arsenal are the only other English club left in the competition and Ballack believes a number of their stars will find it hard to play in Europe’s second-string competition.
He believes World Cup winner Mesut Ozil is someone who could shine in this season’s tournament, if only he had the motivation.
