Cole impressed by starlet Hazard

Lille midfielder Joe Cole has likened team-mate Eden Hazard to stars like Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

Hazard is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents around in Europe, and Cole feels the winger is already an extraordinary player, despite the fact he is only 20 years of age.

“Hazard is different class. He’s still only 21 (sic) and has definitely got another few gears to go up. He’s got the same attitude as Rooney at that age. He’s fearless,” Cole said to talkSPORT.

“He knows how good he is, and that’s a positive thing. All the top players have got that belief and a bit of presence and arrogance, and he’s like that.”

“He’s a bit like Messi. There’s only one Messi and I don’t want to put pressure on the kid, but he’s like him – short, squat, powerful legs, great touch, he can finish, he’s got everything.”

Hazard has been linked with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Inter, Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past few months. He has a contract with Lille until June 2015.