Chelsea Legend and Derby Manager Frank Lampard has joked that Chelsea star Eden Hazard is scared of facing his Derby County side.
Hazard has been in superb form for the unbeaten Blues this season.
However, the Belgium international has missed the past two games due to a back problem and is an injury doubt for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against the Rams at Stamford Bridge (7.45pm).
“With Eden Hazard in the form he has been in since the start of the season, Chelsea have an absolutely outstanding player in world football at the moment in their team,” said Blues legend Lampard.
“Let’s hope he wants a rest on Wednesday night!
“I think he’s scared of coming up against my team! I think he’s scared of how I’m going to nullify his strength!”
Lampard was not joking, though, when he said he rates Hazard as the best player in the world, based on current form.
“With Messi injured – I could never really put anyone above him – and Ronaldo at his new club, I think on current form and Premier League form, yes,” said the Derby boss.
“That’s fluid, that does change, because someone else could be outstanding – but I’ve known it since the day Eden Hazard arrived at Chelsea – you could see the potential and his natural ability.
“And he’s matured as a man, he’s matured as a player, and I absolutely love watching him – and you don’t have to be a Chelsea fan to say that.
