Eden Hazard has stated clearly that Lionel Messi will be the player to watch out for when Chelsea and Barcelona clash in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 ties. 

Chelsea star, Eden Hazard, feels the Premier League champions can overcome La Liga foes in the Champions League last-16 but is wary of a familiar dangerman.

The Belgium international thinks that Lionel Messi’s continued brilliance means Chelsea will be able to take little comfort from Neymar no longer playing for Barcelona when the sides meet in the Champions League.

Chelsea and Barcelona meet in one of the most attractive last-16 ties later this month, with Hazard poised for his latest chance to shine on the biggest stage.

While speaking exclusively to Marca.com, he was asked on how Barca shape up now that Neymar is plying his trade with Paris Saint-Germain, and Hazard alluded to a familiar dangerman.

He said: “You know, they have a guy who is not from this world. He’s different, a superclass. But this is not about one player, it is about the whole team.”

Chelsea have suffered a collective slump of late, with Hazard’s fine solo goal not enough to stave off a damaging 4-1 loss at Watford last time out.

Nevertheless, facing an in-form Barcelona is a prospect that sparks excitement rather than trepidation for the Belgium star.

“It’s a beautiful match,” he added. “This season we are not the same as last season, of course, and they are very good but in the end it is a cup tie and you never know what happens.

“That’s why we love football. I’m pretty sure we can beat them if we play together. We’ll see.”