Chelsea forward Pedro: Eden Hazard can match Lionel Messi with moments of magic this season

CHELSEA winger Pedro has backed Eden Hazard to recover from a disastrous season and show the qualities that have drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi.

After winning the PFA Player of the Year two seasons ago, the Belgian endured a torrid time last campaign and had to wait until April to bag his first Premier League goal.

But under a new manager in Antonio Conte, the Blues are looking for a fresh start after a 10th place finish.

Pedro, who played with Messi for seven years at Barcelona, believes Hazard will be back to his best and admits he can match the Argentine’s ability on the football pitch.

Speaking to Standard Sport, he said: “When it comes to Messi, we are talking about a player I believe is still the best in the world. He really is on a different level to other players.

“But Hazard is a very, very good player, you can see his technique is excellent and he has shown everything at Chelsea.

“He is still young, so he is going to continue improving to one day be among the very best in the world.

“It’s always going to be difficult to compete with a player of Lionel’s ability, but Eden has all the qualities to do exactly that.

“When you see him produce moments of magic, it is easy to draw comparisons with Messi.”

Pedro will be another Chelsea player looking to improve his form in the new season.

The 28-year-old managed seven league goals in 24 starts last campaign and will be hoping the additions of N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi can help the club climb up the table.