Paul Scholes: Eden Hazard lacks Messi and Ronaldo's desire to score

Hazard is a heavy favourite to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, and would get Scholes’ vote, but the former England midfielder does not consider him to be in the same class as La Liga’s biggest stars.

“My vote would go to Eden Hazard,” Scholes wrote in The Independent.

“I prefer the attacking footballers, you wouldn’t expect me to say otherwise, and Hazard has been the best in that regard.

“Not streets ahead of the likes of Harry Kane, and nothing like the wow-factor of those two big players at Barcelona and Real Madrid.

“But Hazard has made the difference in big games, like the one against Manchester United.”

Hazard’s contribution of 13 goals and eight assists has helped the Blues go 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League but, after being eliminated in the round-of-16 in the Champions League, Jose Mourinho's side appear to be some way behind the best sides in Europe.

Scholes feels that the same is true of Hazard, who may have been the best player in England this year but lacks the appetite to challenge the game's greatest players.

“One thing I do wonder with Hazard is whether he has that hunger to score goals that you see in Ronaldo, Messi and Suarez,” Scholes continued.

“Those are players who have a ferocious appetite to put the ball in the net. They’re unstoppable.

"Hazard seems to me to be a relatively gentle soul. One who is just as happy skipping past a couple of opponents and putting it on a plate for a team-mate.

“He does that very well and I have no doubt he will deserve his accolade at the PFA awards.

“But in this modern age, if he wishes to challenge the achievements of Messi and Ronaldo then he will have to prove that he can match their relentless desire to score goals.”