Ahead of Sunday's matchup between Chelsea and Manchester City, Eden Hazard discussed his friendship with Kevin De Bruyne and revealed why he thinks De Bruyne is best in the Premier League today.
"Kevin has got everything," Hazard said in an interview with Sky Sports. "He defends, crosses the ball, assists and scores goals in big games. For me, he is the best this season."
"He's clever on and off the pitch. He's in full confidence as he's playing in the best team in the Premier League this year. When he's on the pitch with good players, he's one of the best in the world. Every time he has the ball at his feet he can do something magic. He doesn't score a lot of goals but he can create something with just one movement or pass. It's simple, he's a special player."
In the interview, Hazard revealed that De Bruyne got his vote for best in the Premier League over players like Harry Kane (the league's leading scorer) and Mohamed Salah.
"I think there are three (best players in the Premier League): Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane. I voted for Kevin De Bruyne. He is the best. I could have also voted for Salah because I played with him and he's my friend but Salah is more a striker than a player."
Hazard and De Bruyne are close friends and teammates on the Belgium National Team. Heading into a match like Sunday's Premier League meeting between Chelsea and Manchester City, some might think this would alter a player's win-at-all-costs mentality. Not so says Hazard.
"I'm happy to see Kevin before kick-off but for 90 minutes I'll try to forget he's my friend. I like to make jokes with my friends in the tunnel but as soon as the referee blows the whistle I'm focused on the game."
Hazard and Chelsea ended with a 1-0 defeat to De Bruyne and Manchester City, which puts City just four wins away from locking up the Premier League title.