Joe Cole has declared that Lille team-mate Eden Hazard reminds him of Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney and tipped the Belgian to reach the very top of world football.

 

Cole is on a season-long loan at the French champions from Liverpool and has struck up an instant rapport with Hazard, with the two combining to great effect so far this season.

 

For their part, Lille have been impressed with Cole’s technical ability and the ease with which he has adapted to life on and off the pitch in France.

 

It has been mooted that Cole could remain at the reigning Ligue 1 champions next season, but even if he does so, he is unlikely to be able to enjoy Hazard’s company, with the highly rated Belgian tipped to head for pastures new in the summer.

 

And Cole well understands why Hazard is in such demand, with the 21-year-old forward reminding him of Premier League star Wayne Rooney.

 

"He reminds me of Wayne Rooney because he is so fast", Cole told Telefoot.

 

"He takes the ball, he wants to be the man who produces a really great move."

 

Cole even thinks that Hazard can surpass Rooney – and everyone else – due to his unbelievable natural ability.

 

"He can go wherever he wants, he’s only 21 years old", said the Englishman.

 

"He can be the biggest name in the world. I’ve never seen a winger as talented as he is, and that’s the best compliment I can give him."

 

But, added Cole, "I don’t want to put him under pressure."

 

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