'He is stronger and faster than me!': Eden Hazard names his toughest opponent ever faced

Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard has named Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker as the toughest opponent he faced in the Premier League.

Hazard enjoyed seven seasons at Chelsea between 2012 and 2019 as he made his name as one of the world's best players and helped the club lift the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa Cup, and League Cup.

Despite coming up against some of the Premier League's greatest defenders including Vincent Kompany, Virgil Van Dijk, and Rio Ferdinand, the Belgian gave a surprising answer when asked who his toughest opponent was.

Hazard explained how England and Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker is the hardest opponent he faced during his Premier League stint.

Walker came up against Hazard more times than any other full-back, 13 in total, with the majority of those match-ups coming during the defender's Tottenham days.

The Belgian lost five games when facing off against Walker in the Premier League, winning four matches, and drawing the same amount of times as the skilled winger often struggled to get the better of his man.

Speaking in an interview on Real Madrid's pre-season tour of America, Hazard was questioned on who his toughest Premier League opponent was.

Hazard jokingly explained his reason for choosing Walker with the Real Madrid forward saying:

'He's strong, he's fast, you know.

'I am strong and fast, but he is stronger than me and he is faster than me.

'As a right-back I think he is one of the best at the moment.'

Hazard joined Real Madrid in 2019 on a five-year deal that could see the final transfer fee rise to over £150million and was earmarked as the ideal replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

But his time in the Spanish capital has been plagued by a series of injuries with Hazard making just 66 appearances over the last three seasons.

The 31-year-old has vowed to give Real Madrid fans his all next season as the La Liga giants lifted the Champions League for a record-breaking 14th time.

He has reportedly started to make good on that promise after returning for pre-season training in great condition and scoring in Madrid's recent 2-2 draw with Club America.