‘ When he plays, City tend to win’

Chelsea’s young Belgian admits he would far rather have the commanding centre- back on his team than against him, but on Sunday he is resigned to the fact that Kompany will be trying to stop him once again.

Hazard can speak with some authority on Kompany, having played alongside the Manchester City skipper for most of his 41 caps for his country.

Two weeks ago, despite the absence of Kompany with a thigh problem, Belgium qualifi ed for the World Cup fi nals for the fi rst time since 2002 as they beat Croatia 2- 1, with both goals from another brilliant Belgian youngster on Chelsea’s books, Romelu Lukaku.

City, who meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in what will be a real test of where these two teams stand after three months under new managers Manuel Pellegrini and Jose Mourinho, have long relied on the peerless Kompany as their linchpin.

Groin and thigh injuries affl icting Kompany have affected City’s uncertain form – the defender has appeared in only six games so far. But he is now fi t and boosted by the birth of a baby son this week.

And Hazard is well aware of the threat that Kompany will pose to Chelsea .

Hazard said: “He is a great defender. He is really important to City because when he plays they win. When he doesn’t they lose, often. That proves his importance.

“We all know his quality. We are lucky to have him in the Belgium team. I prefer to play with players like him than against them.”

Hazard has been buoyed by Belgium’s success and added: “It is a beautiful period. It is great to play for Belgium right now. We are still celebrating . We are winning matches, we are going to