Marc Wilmots: 'Eden Hazard is more like Zinedine Zidane than Lionel Messi'

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has compared Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard to Zinedine Zidane, but said that he should not be likened to either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

Hazard, 24, has been one of Chelsea's key players this season as they currently lead the Premier League, and this form has caused pundits to believe that he is currently on par with the two most recent Ballon d'Or winners.

"He is a big talent. When I see him, I see Zinedine Zidane," Wilmots told Goal.com. "With his assists and goals, he is an important player for Chelsea.

"We shouldn't compare him with Ronaldo or Messi. He will go his own way, not the way of Ronaldo or Messi.

"Eden has the potential to become one of the five best players of the world. Eden has no ego attacks, he is a team player, the team always comes first. For this, I respect him."

The former Belgian international also said that Thibaut Courtois is nearly as good as German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

"I see him almost at the level of Neuer," he added. "Even at Atletico he was very good. He won titles and played a Champions League final. For me he is one of the three best goalkeepers in the world - with just 22 years."

Chelsea, who are currently five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand, face Southampton on Sunday.