Former Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas believes Chelsea will have difficulties keeping star attacker Eden Hazard at the club beyond next season.
The Russia 2018 bronze winning captain scored the winning goal that gave the Blues slim victory over fellow Premier League side Liverpool in their EFL Cup encounter at Anfield.
Daniel Sturridge opened scoring for the hosts in the 58th minute, but two late minute goals from Emerson and Hazard ensured the visitors progressed through to the next stage of the cup competition.
Goal .com however report that the former Arsenal captain claims his teammate is likely to follow the foot steps of his countryman Thibaut Courtois out of the club.
Hazard's contract with the Stamford Bridge side elapses in the summer of 2020 and has refused to sign new deal with the club.
"It was an easy decision, especially now, because at this stage how much can Eden cost? Not many teams in the world can buy Eden Hazard. He still had two years left on his contract ," Fabregas told the Evening Standard of his Stamford Bridge team-mate.
"Next year if he has one year left, that's a different story. You don't have as much power as a club. Eden is one of the best players in the world .
"But having two years left, especially how the market is, it's basically impossible to sign him up. I don't think it was that hard from the club. "
He added that: " I have had some great moments with Eden on the pitch but maybe in terms of maturity, yes it is the best [form of his career] ."
"He has always had the ability but he is at an age now where he feels he can be more dangerous. He knows when to pass more, when to dribble .
"His maturity has improved a lot and now he is scoring goals, decisive goals, which we all wanted from him .
"When you see the top players, this is what they do. They make a difference in terms of scoring goals. I think he needed that to make the step forward and at the moment he is doing that so hopefully he can keep it up. "
The Belgian talisman will have another huge opportunity to prove his worth when Chelsea face off against Liverpool again on Saturday in the Premier League, which could have a huge impact at the top of the table.
Jurgen Klopp's men are setting the pace as the only team left in the competition with a 100% record, but that could all change if Hazard produces another match-winning display this weekend.
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