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Bryan Mbeumo admits he actually used to idolise one of Chelsea’s players growing up

Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo has revealed that he grew up idolising Chelsea legend Eden Hazard and another incredible winger.

Hazard is one of the greatest-ever wide men to play in the Premier League, winning two titles with Chelsea.

WhoScored recently included Hazard on their list of highest-rated Premier League forwards ever.

Where would you rank Eden Hazard? 🥇

Eden Hazard makes WhoScored's list of highest-rated Premier League forwards

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

Eden Hazard of Chelsea poses with the Premier League Trophy

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Bryan Mbeumo idolised Eden Hazard

Mbeumo now plays for one of Chelsea’s biggest nemeses in the Premier League, United, while he represented their west London rivals Brentford before joining the Red Devils.

However, that has not prevented the 26-year-old from sharing that Hazard was his idol growing up. As well as the former Belgium international, Mbeumo also looked up to Neymar.

Speaking on United’s official club podcast Inside Carrington, Mbeumo said: “I had a few growing up. It was Neymar when I was a kid. And after, it was Hazard.”

Who had the better individual season? 🔥

Eden Hazard's 2018/19 stats and Cole Palmer's 2023/24 stats at Chelsea

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images/Clive Rose

This is not the first time the Cameroon star has spoken highly of Hazard. Last season, Mbeumo also lauded Hazard alongside ex-Brentford teammate Yoane Wissa, hailing him as the best winger in Premier League history.

Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United

Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Comparing Bryan Mbeumo’s first season at Manchester United and Eden Hazard’s first at Chelsea

Mbeumo can be pleased with how his debut campaign at United is going. It started off quite slowly, but Mbeumo is one of United’s form players right now and has been one of their best stars overall.

In 22 Premier League appearances, Mbeumo has scored nine goals and provided three assists for United.

He missed five games because of the Africa Cup of Nations so could have had even more goals to his name had the tournament not taken place this year.

Hazard only scored nine goals in his first Premier League season at Chelsea, so Mbeumo will surpass him. However, the former Real Madrid man also provided 11 assists.

It was a solid maiden campaign for Hazard at Stamford Bridge, but there is more than enough time for Mbeumo to top it. And if he continues scoring goals for United, there is a great chance that they will finish above Chelsea in the race for Champions League football.

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