Frank Lampard speaks on Eden Hazard’s situation at Chelsea

Derby County manager Frank Lampard has said that Eden Hazard is irreplaceable at Chelsea amid speculation that he could join Real Madrid this summer. The Belgian has just 13 months remaining on his current deal with the Blues and reports suggest that he has already made his mind up to join Real Madrid during this summer’s transfer window.

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Lampard hailed Hazard as one of the top players in the world and said that his former club may not be able to replace him in their ranks. He went further to suggest that the Blues may have to cope his absence by promoting youth, given they are currently under a two-window transfer ban.

He said: “He’s in the top few players in the world. I think we all know that. We’ve seen him in the Premier League and he has been a joy to have. He was a joy to play with. I knew his potential from day one when he trained at Chelsea a few years ago now. Of course it will be disappointing to lose him for the Premier League but particularly Chelsea. You don’t replace Eden Hazard, you have to find ways around it whether it be some of the younger players or the team.”

Hazard has refused to speak on the transfer speculation with Real Madrid over the past few months but he has nonetheless given a hint by suggesting that a decision over his future has been made. That certainly does not appear to involve a contract extension with the Blues which indicates that he could be heading through the exit door.

The Belgian was recently awarded with the Playmaker of the Year accolade by the Premier League after managing 15 assists through the season. He has the opportunity to potentially end his Chelsea career on a high by helping them win the Europa League crown against Arsenal this month.