text: Jose Mourinho claims Eden Hazard has joined Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best three players in world football. Hazard scored Chelsea's 38th minute winner against Manchester United and is widely expected to be named PFA player of the year on Sunday. Mourinho said: 'He's a kid, but he knows that he is one of the three best players in the world - he is coping with that responsibility. Eden Hazard has been named 'one of the three best players in the world' by his manager Jose Mourinho . Hazard has been in superb form for Chelsea this season and scored the winner against Manchester United . Hazard's goal in the 1-0 victory over United extends Chelsea's lead at the top of the Premier League table . Mourinho has praised the Belgian's exceptional talent and also his unwavering humility amid his success . 'I had lots of stars. Hopefully in every club I worked I had stars. But he is the humble star, yes. He is the humble star. 'He's getting strong. Physically, mentally he's getting very, very strong. He understands his role. 'The day before the game I told him: 'This game we will never lose. Never.' 'But we needed to win. He understands clearly that especially in a moment where the team doesn't have all its power, he understands when the game becomes strategically. 'He understands that his talent is fundamental for the team. He was there for us and almost a second goal when he hit the post.' Hazard also believes he is having the best season of his career as Chelsea close in on the Barclays Premier League title. The Chelsea winger said: 'I'm playing my best season ever. With my experience, I succeed to manage the strong and weak moments in a game better. 'Last year I played a good season, but I disappeared in some games. 'This season I can't really remind a game where I really wasn't into. It's impossible to be top in 40 or 50 games in a season, but I've been the best player of the team for several times. 'My stats? People are talking more about me, but what pleases me the most, is that I'm doing better than last season.' Hazard, still only 24-years-old, is being hotly tipped to claim the PFA Player of the Year award this season .
target: Chelsea forward Eden Hazard has been in superb form this season .
  The Belgian scored the winning goal against Manchester United on Saturday to extend Chelsea's lead at the top of the Premier League table .
  Manager Jose Mourinho believes Hazard is one of the best players in the world and holds him in similar esteem to Cristiano Ronaldo .