Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has named a former Chelsea star as one of his favourite ever players.
There are so many world-class individuals that have performed at Stamford Bridge throughout Chelsea’s history.
It’ll be interesting to see if Crystal Palace and England playmaker Eberechi Eze, 26, follows in the footsteps of some former Blues icons.
The attacking midfielder will be focused on a strong end to the season, especially in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium when Palace face Manchester City. However, he’s actually linked with a potential move across London.
It’s been claimed that Chelsea will approach Crystal Palace about Eberechi Eze in the summer transfer window because he’s universally liked by everyone at the club.
Eberechi Eze is a giant fan of Eden Hazard
Palace star Eze has shared that Chelsea legend Eden Hazard, 34, is one of his favourite players.
Eze said via Sky Sports Premier League: “Hazard is probably one of my favourite players of all time.”
When asked why he loves Hazard so much, Eze added: “I would just say the style of play. The freedom that he plays with. The way he dribbles. The confidence. You could tell he trusted the talent and gift that he had. He was effective with it as well, which is again special. Levels and qualities – I think he might be my favourite. Is he my favourite? Top three favourite players. Favourite player in the Prem? Yeah, it’s him.”
If you see the way that Eze plays his football, it’s no surprise to hear he idolises Hazard.
Chelsea paid £32m (The Guardian) to sign Hazard from Lille in 2012. On reflection, it’s one of the best signings the club has ever pulled off because he lit up the Bridge during a seven-year spell in West London.
Even though the Belgian winger retired from football in 2023, he’s certainly left a huge legacy in the sport.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Trophies |
| Chelsea | 352 | 110 | 88 | 6 |
| Lille | 194 | 50 | 53 | 2 |
| Real Madrid | 76 | 7 | 12 | 6 |
There is definitely a trend that a lot of current Premier League stars speak so glowingly about Hazard. For instance, Anthony Gordon’s assessment of Eden Hazard is that he’s the most talented winger to play in the Premier League.
The Chelsea hero expressed himself on the football pitch with a unique flair that won so many admirers.
Eberechi Eze would be a great option for Chelsea off the left
If Chelsea decide to ramp up their interest in Eze, we think it would be great news.
The versatile attacking midfielder, who’s dangerous drifting in from the left or operating more centrally, looks ready for a big-money transfer.
Yet again, the skilful Englishman has shone bright in the Palace XI this term. As he gets ready to approach the prime years of his career, we think he belongs in European football.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 40 | 12 | 11 |
If you look at the way 23-year-old winger Michael Olise has performed for Bayern Munich since leaving Selhurst Park, Eze has every chance of doing something similar if he leaves Palace.
Chelsea wanted Eberechi Eze in the 2024 summer window, but he stayed with Palace. One year later, he looks even more ready for a transfer to an elite club.
