Earlier this month, Eden Hazard made a bold statement, declaring that Lionel Messi is the only player he considers superior to himself. Now, former Chelsea player John Obi-Mikel has reiterated this claim with added conviction by making comparisons of their talents. He even went as far as to suggest that the ex-Real Madrid star possesses a comparable talent to the Argentine maestro.

The former Nigerian star had the opportunity to play alongside Eden Hazard from 2012 to 2017, and he firmly believes that the Belgian is the best player he has ever had the privilege of playing with. Soon, these ex-teammates are set to reunite.

John Obi-Mikel appreciates the talent of Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard is primed for an appearance on The Obi One Podcast as indicated by the recent release of a tantalizing podcast teaser. A captivating phrase in the trailer’s caption captures the essence of the upcoming episode: “As talented as Messi,” an obvious reference to the Chelsea legend. The preview comprises snapshots from different stages of the 33-year-old’s outstanding career and includes commendations from John Obi-Mikel himself.

The 36-year-old extols with evident admiration: “There’s no other player to compare Eden to. A player with so much, so much talent.” He further added, “Give him the ball and let him create chances and win you games. That’s what he does for us.” Subsequently, words flowed favorably, comparing Hazard with Lionel Messi.

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In an awe-inspired comparison, Mikel expressed, “The talent he has was the talent of Lionel Messi. That’s the talent. When he’s on it, he produces magic.” It has been no secret that the ex-Stoke City star greatly admires Hazard’s phenomenal skills.

His public confession once held that “Eden Hazard is the laziest footballer I have seen in my life, but on match day he would win the Man of the Match award.” Similarly, Mikel has always been a devoted fan of Messi, even favoring him over Cristiano Ronaldo.

The reasons Mikel chose Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo

John Obi-Mikel has consistently expressed his profound respect for the Inter Miami captain. A few weeks back, he remarked, “I will never doubt or discredit what Ronaldo’s achieved as a football player and as a person, but in my opinion, the greatest football player is the goat is Messi, simple.”

“If I Had Been Like Cristiano, I Would Have Burned Myself”- Eden Hazard on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Mentality

The reasoning behind this preference springs from their contrasting personalities. Defining factors for the retired midfielder appear to be humility and ego; according to him, they significantly tilt the scales in favor of the 36-year-old due to what he perceives as ‘so much ego,’ exhibited by CR7. Through these perspectives, it becomes clear just how much esteem John Obi-Mikel holds for both Eden Hazard and Lionel Messi.

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