John Terry: Eden Hazard is one of the best in the world... he's up there with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, says Chelsea captain

Hazard has been Chelsea's best player 'by a long way,' says Terry

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John Terry believes that Chelsea winger Eden Hazard is one of the best players in the world - and comparable to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Chelsea captain hailed his Belgian team-mate after he inspired the Blues to a 2-1 win over Stoke, scoring a penalty and providing a crucial assist for Loic Remy.

Chelsea are now seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, although they didn't have it all their own way, Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam scored a goal of the season contender from inside his own half.

After Hazard coolly rolled in a first-half penalty, Remy was on hand to turn home Hazard's square pass to wrap up the three points.

In a game where Diego Costa lasted just 10 minutes having been introduced from the bench before being forced off with a hamstring injury, Hazard was the man to make the difference with Terry quick to praise him.

"He was excellent," Terry told Sky Sports 1.

"He has been our best player by a long way this year and in those games when you are looking for a bit of extra, a bit of magic from someone he is the one who steps up and managed to create something. He is up there with the (Lionel) Messi's and (Cristiano) Ronaldo's and can still get better and better."

With just eight games remaining Chelsea are hot favourites to take the title but Terry is urging caution to those who believe their name is already on the trophy.

"It was a tough game, we knew it was going to be difficult," he added.

"They made it difficult last year. First half they were very tight and they are a very well organised team, it was tough but we ground it out.

"It is the old cliche but it is ticking a box then moving on.

"We have a massive game away at QPR, a big London derby for us. We just need to keep putting three points on the board.

"The goal from Charlie Adam was a great goal and it stunned us just before half-time.

"But we came out in the second half knowing what we had to do, and I think before the international break it was important to get the win and the same again today just to get the momentum.

"We have got the three points and if we keep doing that it will be very difficult for other teams."

Additional reporting from PA