Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has claimed that Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has the ability to become the best player in the world.

Hazard was named PFA Player of the Year last night after a fine season, but Shearer thinks that he can improve his game even more in the coming years.

He told BBC Sport: "He has been the Premier League's outstanding player over the whole campaign, and he deserves the individual recognition. That is how I felt in 1995 when I won the title with Blackburn Rovers and was also Player of the Year for the first time.

"I felt the award reflected my performances and contribution towards my team's success that season, and it is the same with Hazard. I don't think anyone can argue that he is not a worthy winner.

"The bad news for Chelsea's rivals is that at 24, Hazard is only going to get better. In three or four years, I think we could be talking about the Belgian being the best player in the world - he has the potential to be that good."

Hazard joined Chelsea from Lille for around £30m in 2012.