Chelsea's Eden Hazard representing Belgium. Picture: PA

Thomas Vermaelen hailed Eden Hazard

Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen has compared Chelsea new boy Eden Hazard to Barcelona magician Lionel Messi.

The Blues signed the Belgium international last month after impressing in Ligue 1 and his national team-mate expects him to be a hit in the Premier League.

“Eden is a really talented player,” he said. “Technically, he is very good. He is quick with the ball. He’s a little bit like the way Messi plays. He’s small with a low centre of gravity and has some good tricks.

“He has exceptional qualities. It is not easy to show that every week at a high level, but he will show his quality to the fans at Chelsea. He will do well.”