Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink has revealed that Belgium international Eden Hazard has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or in the future. The Chelsea man, who is currently nursing a groin injury, was in superb form last season for the defending champions. However, this season, he has been a pale shadow of himself, having failed to score a goal for the Blues.
So many things have happened since Hazard last scored a goal for the Premier League giants 
Hazard used to be one of the most feared forwards in the Premier League, something that prompted the then manager Jose Mourinho to compare him with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. In fact, the controversial Portuguese manager once hinted that the Belgium and Chelsea star was performing even better than Ronaldo last season.
When Lionel Messi won his fifth Ballon d’Or award last night in Zurich, coach Hiddink was confident that Hazard could win the coveted trophy after Messi, but only if he regains his confidence.
He said:
“For the Ballon D'Or you have to establish yourself not just in one season but to get your reward for more seasons. Hazard is capable (of winning) it in the future, but there are now other demands.
Concerning the fitness levels of the 25-year-old, he explained:
"Hazard was on the pitch today with the physios and the trainers. He was doing better and better, but still not available so far. He is not working with the group.’’
"We had some experiences. He had this setback a little bit.’’
"We want to have him fit, but it's better he's back a little bit late than one hour too early.’’
“It's for me about freshness. If the mind is fresh, if players are eager to step on to the training ground and enjoy training, it's a signal of freshness. For him it's the same.''
"He has won these trophies but had this season with some mostly physical problems. Yesterday was the Ballon d'Or. If you see the freshness of players after having won already I don't know how many times the Ballon d'Or and there the freshness, playing like a youngster, is there.’’
"That's what we're aiming for with him as well. He has to enjoy it and get rid of his physical problems. Automatically he will come into his normal shape of play."
Lately, the former Lille man has been the subject of ridicule on social media
Players/coaches who voted for Hazard in the Ballon d'or should be banned from voting for life rofl.
— Lex Veldhuis (@RaSZi) January 12, 2016
Hodgson had Hazard 3rd in his Ballon D'or vote... He's the Donald Trump of football managers.
— MK GRANDS (@mkgrands) January 12, 2016
Roy Hodgson shows how clueless he is by choosing Eden Hazard in his top three for the Ballon d'Or.
— Olé (@Ole_LFC) January 12, 2016
The West Londoners are set to face West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday for their midweek Premier League fixture. They will approach this match with increased confidence, given the fact that their star players Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic, Remy, and Oscar have all passed late fitness tests ahead of the home fixture. Guus Hiddinks men are placed 14th on the Premier League log with 23 points out of 20 games.
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