HAZARD LIGHTS ... Vermaelen believes Eden Hazard will shine in the Premier League
Published: Today at 10:52
THOMAS VERMAELEN has warned Premier League defenders that Chelsea will be fielding their very own Lionel Messi this season.
Arsenal centre-back Vermaelen believes Belgian team-mate Eden Hazard has the quality to cause havoc following his £32million transfer from Lille.
Hazard, whose younger brother Thorgan has also joined Chelsea, faces a major battle to justify his massive fee.
Yet Vermaelen is able to give the inside track on the 21-year-old talent because of the number of times they have faced each other in training when on international duty.
Vermaelen, who will skipper Arsenal against Manchester City in Beijing tonight, said: “I only know Eden. I don’t know his brother. I know Eden well from the national team and he’s a really talented player. He has exceptional qualities but it’s not easy to show that every week at a high level.
“He’s been player of the year in France for two years in a row and that says quite a lot and I hope he will do well at Chelsea. I think he will.
“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.
“We wanted to give him a free role in the friendly against England (before Euro2012) because he has the talent to do that. You don’t have to give him too many responsibilities.
“Just leave him free to play. Allow him to enjoy the game and then he will be at his best.
“I’m confident he will do well but the Premier League is a high step. Everyone will say that. England is tougher and the tempo is much higher and the quality of defenders is much better. It won’t be easy but he will show his quality to the fans at Chelsea. He will do well, I think.”
Vermaelen, who signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates, is not surprised that fellow Belgian defender Vincent Kompany has penned a six-year deal at Manchester City.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s second game of their Far East tour, Vermaelen said: “There are a lot of Belgian players now in the Premier League and that means we have a lot of talent in the national team.
“Maybe we’re doing something right. Dedication in Belgium is good and the players tend to leave early for other countries. You have to be lucky as well. If these players come through together as one, that generally helps.
“Vincent’s always been a very talented player. When he was 17 he was playing Champions League football for Anderlecht.
“But when he was young, he had some critics. He wasn’t always secure and he was making some mistakes. He is very technical for a defender and he wanted to show this with a few tricks.
“But in the last two or three years he has got this out of his game and has become a world class defender, one of the best in the world. He’s really focused. He’s a real professional and I see this in the national team.
“He works hard for himself and makes sure he’s fit for every game. He’s a leader as well and takes his responsibilities seriously. He’s good for his team.”
Although Arsenal may struggle to match City in the Premier League, Vermaelen, 26, has no regrets over remaining in north London.
He said: “I signed my new contract last year and I’m proud to play for this club. When I was young, I watched Arsenal a lot and you could see the way they played was really attractive.
“I speak to players when I join up with the national team and everybody likes Arsenal, because it’s a fantastic club and that’s why I’m really happy to be here.”
