Eden Hazard is, without question, one of the Premier League’s best footballers.

The Belgium international, who joined Chelsea from Lille back in 2012, has cemented his status as one of Europe’s most exciting players over the past few years.

But is there more to come from the 2014-15 Premier League Player of the Year? Can he kick on a level and become a truly world-class footballer?

Hazard is one of the few players with the talent required to challenge for the Ballon d’Or once Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi finally decline.

Others who fall into that category include Neymar, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Isco, Paulo Dybala and perhaps even Harry Kane and Dele Alli.

Hazard: It's not in my mind to be the best

But does Hazard have that inner drive - like Messi and Ronaldo - to want to become the world’s best footballer?

Ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Manchester United this afternoon, the 26-year-old was interviewed by Sky Sports when he was asked that question.

"I am more about enjoying the game," he replied. "I try to be the best, if I am not it is not a problem for me. I just want to enjoy being on the pitch. I know sometimes in football you have tough moments so I try to stay on the same level. It's not in my mind to be the best.

"I feel now football is more about statistics, about scoring goals, making assists. That's why people want to see me scoring more goals. On the pitch, people think I'm good but when we win 1-0 or 2-0 they want to see Eden scoring two goals, Eden making one goal and creating an assist.

"People think about statistics every time but in my head if I am not scoring goals it is not a problem as long as we are winning."

Gary Neville reacts to Hazard's comments

Hazard’s comments, although honest, have not impressed Gary Neville.

The former Manchester United captain was on punditry duty for Sky Sports today and couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

"It deflates me enormously. It really does,” Neville said, per the Metro. “He is a top player… look he beat me nine times out of ten in one v one situations so we’re talking about a top player.

“But we’re trying to push him into that Neymar category… he’s never going to get there, he deflated me with his passion.”

You can understand Neville’s point of view.

He wants Hazard to realise that he can become a Ballon d’Or winner if he wants it enough - and is frustrated that he seems to be more intent on enjoying himself out on the pitch.

Graeme Souness reacts to Hazard's comments

Graeme Souness, meanwhile, commented: “I think the real top men hurt badly when it goes badly, he has the potential to be one of the best.

“It does matter – to be a top man. He’s in and out, there’s other players who are more consistent than him and yet few players with his ability.

“He’s a very good player and has the potential to be one of the best in the world but he’s not because he’s not consistent enough.”