Cesc Fabregas believes Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard is having the same impact at the club as Lionel Messi does at Barcelona.
The former Barca player joined Chelsea this summer after a rather less than fruitful time at the Camp Nou and his impact has been immediate, partnering Diego Costa and Eden Hazard in a lively looking attack which has propelled Chelsea to the top of the Premier League table.
And, Fabregas has held special praise for the latter, who he believes has similar attributes to that of former Barca team-mate Leo Messi.
“He is the link between midfield and attack for us; he is our Messi because he makes the difference,” the Spaniard told radio station Cope.
“We have a young team but we are very positive about the future.”
The former Arsenal midfielder then went on to discuss his move to Stamford Bridge and said that Arsenal were not the only other team trying to sign him this summer.
“I’ve always played in clubs where I wanted to play. At the end of last season, I saw Chelsea as the best option,” he continued.
“I always thought about a return to England and I talked to Mourinho and realised this was the best option.
“It was arranged through my agent. There was no call with Mourinho, just a face-to-face meeting. Jose showed great respect and convinced me quickly.
“We were honest, we put aside any history and I made my decision after talking with him. Overall I had three options in England.”