5 players who can break the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly  

#2 Eden Hazard (Chelsea and Belgium)

The Belgian Messi; Eden Hazard looks set to fulfil the long-held belief in his world-class abilities

One of the standout performers in a league that is big on money but short on genuine game-changing star quality, Hazard will rightly believe that he has what it takes to ascend to the glided thrones that are the Ballon d’Or and The Best awards.

Notable for his close control skills, dribbling ability and unselfish play, Eden has become the focal point for Premier League champions Chelsea and an unsellable asset who is central to the club’s hope of truly becoming a member of European football’s aristocracy.

Hazard’s ascendancy has been a steady one from his days at Lille where he drove the team to win its first Ligue 1 title in a very long time.

His move to Chelsea has cemented his reputation as a big-name player with the club resisting any attempt by clubs like Real Madrid to steal away their prize asset.

In terms of having a low centre of gravity and generally unselfish play, he is perhaps the closest player to Messi and has consistently expressed his admiration for the Argentine and his desire to emulate his achievements.

His exploits for the Red Devils of Belgium have also been exceptional with coach Roberto Martinez banking on him to lead the very talented team to glory in Russia 2018.