Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has backed Eden Hazard to have a similar impact at Stamford Bridge to the one that Gianfranco Zola made.

Italian Zola is regarded by many Chelsea fans to be a legend for the performances that he put in during his seven-year stint with the club.

Having played with Zola for two seasons prior to his departure in 2003, Lampard has admitted that he has seen similarities in the way that Belgium international Hazard plays his football.

"Eden is 22. He has got the world at his feet and he can handle the pressure because he is that good. His ability and speed off the mark and the way he is able to turn on a sixpence is what all great attacking players have and he's got it in abundance," Lampard told Sky Sports News.

"Zola did it throughout his career while Eden's at a relatively early part of his career but what he is showing now are glimpses that he can be in that bracket and be one of the top players in the world.

"He is very laid back - a great character and not too much bothers him by the look of it. That's the way he plays and it reflects in his game. I hope he carries on doing it because he's an absolute pleasure to play with."

Hazard, who joined the Blues from Lille last summer, has scored 12 goals in all competitions so far this campaign.