John Terry believes Eden Hazard showed why he is a world-class player following a spell-binding performance this evening.
The Belgium carried on where he left last season, turning West Ham inside and out in a sparkling performance that brought him a penalty and one that will give Premier League defences nightmares.
“He’s always been at his best for me,” Terry told Sky Sports. “We relied on him too much last season. For me, he’s up there with the very best in the world. He can’t do it on his, even though he can. He’s a world-class player, we are very lucky to have him.”
Hazard, who mustered just four goals and three assists last season, was delighted to open his account on day one after taking until January 31 to claim his first goal of last season.
“It was to good to be back and win in front of our supporters,” he said. “The first game is always important. We did very well and we played 90 minutes like a tiger. Oscar asked me if he could shoot [for the penalty] and I said, ‘No, it’s my turn’ Last season is finished. We look to the future. We want to bring a lot of emotion. It’s always good to start the season like this.”
Gary Neville felt Hazard had West Ham in the palm of his hand until he took his foot of the gas around the hour mark.
“He was the best player on the pitch in the first half and for the first ten minutes of the second half,” said Neville. “His penalty was emphatic. No goalkeeper is saving that.”
