Ross Barkley hails 'magical' Eden Hazard after hitting winning goal for Chelsea

Hazard struck six minutes from time on Wednesday night to edge Chelsea past Bournemouth and secure the side’s place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals

Ross Barkley has showered Chelsea teammate Eden Hazard in praise, saying the Belgian is “magical” and “up there with the best in the world”.

Hazard struck six minutes from time on Wednesday night to edge Chelsea past Bournemouth and secure the side’s place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where they will face London rivals Tottenham over two legs.

Barkley was replaced by substitute Hazard in the 61st minute of last night’s clash, and the England international said afterwards he knew a Chelsea goal was coming.

"The way we were playing, you could see we had the belief that a goal was going to come," he told Sky Sports.

"When Eden got that goal, he can produce magic moments like that. Credit to him and the team who got stuck in.

"He's playing really well. He's up there with the best in the world. He can produce goals like that out of nothing and to play with a player like that is fantastic.

"He's relaxed, but once he's on the training pitch he's magical. He plays with enjoyment. He scores goals and creates goals. He's laid-back, but on game day he's ready to make things happen."

So far this season Hazard has registered 10 goals and nine assists in 20 games across all competitions.

The Belgian enters the final year of his contract next summer and is yet to sign a new deal at Chelsea amid reports linking him to Real Madrid.