MY VERDICT CHRIS SUTTON

EDEN HAZARD is without question the most in-form player in Europe.

Lionel Messi did not meet his usual impeccable standards at the World Cup and it has taken Cristiano Ronaldo four games to get up and running at Juventus.

After being the driving force behind Belgium’s run to the semis in Russia, Hazard has returned to Chelsea full of energy, sharpness and power.

Maurizio Sarri has given him a new lease of life. No longer shackled by the false nine role Antonio Conte made him play, Hazard is thriving alongside a centre forward in Olivier Giroud who allows him to burst on to balls with electric pace.

Right now, there is no better player in Europe. Whether he can dethrone Messi and Ronaldo depends on where his displays take Chelsea.

Inspire them to the league title this season and a serious tilt at the Champions League the following year… then Hazard will justify his manager’s claim.