Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has lauded compatriot Eden Hazard for pocketing the PFA Player of the Year award, adding that the result of the voting was never in doubt such have been the Belgian’s performances this term.

Courtois, who arrived at Stamford Bridge at the start of the current season after spending three years on loan at Spanish La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid, further revealed that having known Hazard from a young age he always felt that the forward had enormous potential.




“But we all know he is a top player and expected him to win”, the goalkeeper was quoted as saying by his club’s site.

“When he was very young I saw him with the national team.
 


“He was in France playing but we knew he had an extraordinary talent and he is still young, he can improve a lot and be the best in the world.”

relatedNewsStory

On the back of stupendous displays from the 24-year-old, Chelsea are sitting atop the Premier League table and appear on course to win their first title since the 2009/10 season.

And the Belgium number one hopes that the Blues end the season with the Premier League title.

“He’s played a good season for us and hopefully we can finish it well now.

“Individual trophies are nice but every player most wants a team trophy like the Premier League.”

Chelsea will take on Leicester City in their next Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium tonight.

Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.