Thorgan Hazard backs Chelsea youngsters Andreas Christensen and Charly Musonda to make impact for Blues next season

CHRISTENSEN

Thorgan Hazard has lavished praise on Chelsea's often maligned approach to young players, insisting Andreas Christensen and Charly Musonda can make it at Stamford Bridge. 

Hazard, a former Blues prospect himself, spoke glowingly of defender Christensen in particular who is in his second season on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Belgian is convinced his team-mate has all the attributes to make it at the top level with Antonio Conte's side.

In an exclusive interview with Goal he said: 'When he arrived everybody in the team and at the club were saying "wow", what a defender, what a player.

'He can play football, he is strong, he is fast, he is intelligent and so he has helped us a lot and helped us get Champions League qualification.'

Christensen is expected to return to the Blues next season and attempt to break into Conte's star-studded ranks.

Hazard is convinced the 20-year-old can make the step up, saying: 'I think he has a great future and he can play at a top, top level at a top, top team.'

Eden Hazard's younger brother was also effusive in his assessment of Charly Musonda, another Chelsea youngster who has developed on loan.

Musonda, a fellow Belgian, spent time with Real Betis in Spain in a move labelled by Hazard as 'fantastic' for the attacking midfielder.

'Charly is a friend. He decided to go on loan to Betis and the first year he was fantastic for Charly.
'I know Charly and I think he is a winner. He will fight for that and I hope he can do this [play for Chelsea],' he added.

The Blues have come under fire for their treatment of young players with 35 out on loan from their parent club but supporters will be heartened by Hazard's assessment of two up-and-coming prospects.