Ross Barkley hopes that Eden Hazard’s glowing praise can spur him on to greater success at Chelsea after a promising start to the season.
Injuries and form meant Barkley struggled to make an impact under Antonio Conte but the 24-year-old was handed a lifeline when Maurizio Sarri took over the reins at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Sarri was impressed after a strong pre-season from Barkley and the former Everton man has gone from strength to strength this term, providing an assist for Hazard’s opener at Southampton before finding the net himself in the second half.
Barkley was also recalled to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the UEFA Nations League and Hazard believes the midfielder has the potential can be among the best on the planet.
After Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Southampton, Hazard said: ‘I think Ross, if you give him the freedom to play and the confidence on the pitch, then he can be one of the best in the world in midfield.
‘He is strong, powerful, can dribble; he is clever, can shoot and score. He has everything to be the best. Read more