Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea star Eden Hazard: I based my game on this Arsenal legend
CHELSEA star Eden Hazard has revealed he based a lot of his technique on former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.
Eden Hazard has admitted Thierry Henry was an inspiration to him
Eden Hazard has been back to his best this season for Chelsea after a disappointing last campaign.
The Belgium international has found his shooting boots once more and has scored 11 times in all competitions this term.
And the 26-year-old has opened up about his love for the game and his style of play, comparing himself to former Arsenal star Thierry Henry.
Thierry Henry now coaches Eden Hazard with the Belgium squad
Eden Hazard - 5 things you need to know
When asked about how he uses the ball, Hazard told magazine France Football: "That's my guy [the ball], my safe guy. I've known him since I was born.
"There have been different shapes, different sizes, but that's my guy. He's my most faithful buddy.
"Sometimes I caress him. But when I dribble, when I shoot, yeah, I can stroke him like Thierry Henry.
"What is good is that I manage to do everything and that it takes all the personalities.
"I can treat the ball like a woman, I can treat it like my guy, like an old man."
Hazard has made 32 appearances for Chelsea this season in all captions, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?