Chelsea news: Eden Hazard was called the best player in Europe by his manager last weekend (Image: Getty)
That is the view of former QPR and Blackpool manager Ian Holloway.
Hazard enjoyed a post-World Cup break and subsequently started Chelsea’s first two Premier League games on the bench.
But the 27-year-old has since started their last three matches and been in devastating form with five goals, including a hat-trick against Cardiff last weekend.
Hazard’s performance led his manager Maurizio Sarri to claim he was the best player in Europe.
Is Hazard going to be up there with Best, Pele and Cruyff? It's too early to tell
Ian Holloway
The Belgium international has never made the final three of the Ballon d'Or shortlist, however.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award since 2008 but this year could see Luka Modric triumph and break the duopoly.
But despite being a huge admirer of Hazard’s quality, Holloway believes inconsistency is holding him back from being considered the best.
Holloway, a pundit for the EFL on Quest highlights, also on QuestOD, told Express Sport: “He’s potentially the best.
Chelsea news: Eden Hazard is congratulated by Maurizio Sarri after scoring a hat-trick vs Cardiff (Image: Getty)
“For me, is he going to be up there with George Best, Pele and Johan Cruyff? I think it is too early to tell.
“What he has got to do is have seasons where he is at it and consistent every week.
“I know it is hard to do that but you can’t have phases.
“He has to do it for a season, then he needs to do it again, and again and again before I give him that.
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Chelsea news: Eden Hazard has spearheaded the Blues' attack this season (Image: Getty)
“But potentially, to beat people, inspire other people, it is a joy to watch him. I would hate to mark him.
“For me, what is exhilarating is his change of pace. He can go both ways but you don’t know which way he is going and before you know it he's past you. He is incredibly quick.
“It is good to see him in a good mood because really talented people need to be in the moment.
“And I hope he can learn to stay in that moment because it is a joy to watch him.”
Watch EFL on Quest every Saturday at 9pm plus mid-week fixtures. Also available on QuestOD