Chelsea defender David Luiz said Callum Hudson-Odoi can fill the void a potential Eden Hazard departure could leave at Stamford Bridge, while praising manager Maurizio Sarri after the club's Europa League triumph.
'Either Messi or Ronaldo,' Luiz joked when asked by reporters who could replace Hazard. 'I think if he goes I just wish him all the best.
'He is a fantastic player, friend and guy. I've known him ever since he was here at so young. I am so happy for him because the world knows who Eden Hazard is.
'We have many (who could replace Hazard). Callum is great.
'Callum has known this club since he was young and he has the talents to one day try to be like Eden.
'It is a new story for Callum. It didn't start so well because of the injury but it is time for him to improve in other sides (of his game).'
A euphoric Luiz also took the opportunity's to praise Chelsea's often-criticised manager Sarri for his role in the Blues' success on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
'That's the problem of playing for a big club,' Luiz added.
'It's his first season at Chelsea, his first in English football. I think he did great.
'He is a great person, a great guy, a great manager and we finished in the best way for him because we finished winning a trophy in his way.
'Even after we conceded a goal... we continued to play his philosophy and continued to try and score more goals. It was the best end of the season for him and he deserved that.'
Bumlnrst
75
we shouldn't do any mistake by trying to replace Hazard by someone, it's about time everyone take upon himself and do the teamwork. With that, Chealsea is going to see note heights like Liverpool even, more than that. Blue is The Color God Bless Chelsea FC!! Long Live Chelsea FC!!!
alexddahn
49
Callum Hudson Odoi๐ช๐ช ###=the next Eden Hazard of our Club Chelsea ๐๐ he fully deserves the big No.10. Come Hudson this ur ERA shine for us๐๐๐๐
Desmondeyum
47
David Luiz: "Only Messi or Ronaldo can replace Hazard. If he goes I just wish him all the best. He's a fantastic player and friend. I am happy for him bcos the world knows who Eden Hazard is. Some cycles finish, some cycles start. We've talents in the club who can replace him" h
rota2903
46
My starting line up for next season. In attack, I would prefer Tammy Abraham but AF doesn't have him in their list so Batsman gets my nod in this line up. And I believe Kante would complement Jorghinho if they were being played side by side. Kante as DM where he protects the backline and Jorghinho as Anchorman that would dictates plays. People might think that Jorghinho does't have any direct assist at all to goals but he is important to link between defence and attacking. That has been his role even when he was playing with Napoli. The "linker".
Desmondeyum
38
No one can replace Hazard, Hazard vocab break into defenses and score, Hudson can try to replace him but cannot replace him