The Belgium international has started the season in excellent form for Jose Mourinho's Blues - barring one poor performance against Aston Villa - but claims he is not yet in the game's band of elite players.

"I'm not a top-five player yet," said Hazard in the Daily Telegraph. "Maybe I'm close to it, but I still have to work on some aspects. You can only be part of that group if you are decisive in the top games. I (have started) doing that, like I did against Manchester City and Arsenal.

"Who are better than me? The two extra-terrestrials, Ronaldo and Messi, Ibrahimovic, Ribery and Robben. They make the difference almost every game."

Hazard admits he had an underwhelming World Cup with Belgium but claims his season start with Chelsea has been the best of his career.

"It all goes well for me at Chelsea," said Hazard. "Maybe this has been the best start in my career so far, although it isn't reflected in the stats. I have played only one bad game - against Aston Villa.

"I've taken a good rest during my holiday, I had a short, but good pre-season and I feel really well.

"Jose Mourinho and I get along well. I've lots of respect for him. He gives me a lot of confidence. After a bad game, he dares to say 'we have played with 10 today', but that's it. At moments like that he leaves me alone."