Lampard backs Hazard to shine at Chelsea

Lille playmaker Eden Hazard announces he will join Chelsea. (FILE)

Published Saturday, June 02, 2012

By AFP

Frank Lampard has backed Eden Hazard to be a big hit at Chelsea after the Belgium midfielder was given a glowing review by Lille team-mate Joe Cole.

Hazard, 21, is on the verge of moving to European champions Chelsea in a transfer reported to be worth £32 million (40 million euros, $50 million) after the Lille playmaker tweeted this week that he will be "joining the Champions League winner".

Lampard was due to get his first close-up look at Hazard when England face Belgium in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday but the Blues midfielder could miss the fixture now after suffering a thigh injury in training on Wednesday.

While Lampard has not seen much of Hazard, the 33-year-old has no doubts he can shine in the Premier League after hearing from his old Chelsea and England team-mate Cole, who spent this season on loan at Lille from Liverpool.

"It is very exciting to hear the news. I haven't seen so much of the French football but everyone I speak to says he is a very top player, a very top young player," Lampard said.

"If he can bring that youth and hunger and ability into our team, then he'll be very welcome. Joe Cole knows him very well and spent a year at Lille with him.

"Talking about those type of players, Joe is very honest and knowledgeable and he has been very impressed with him."

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