Eden Hazard believes Ross Barkley can be "one of the best" in the world after his impressive display in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Southampton on Sunday.

Barkley set up Hazard for the opening goal at St Mary's before scoring the second after half-time.

The 24-year-old has shown encouraging signs this season, featuring 11 times for Chelsea and earning a recall to the England squad for UEFA Nations League ties against Croatia and Spain.

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And Hazard, who has admitted uncertainty over his own future, said: "He played a fantastic game and it is not just because he scored a goal or that he made an assist. You can see on the pitch that he is very strong.

2:58 Highlights from Chelsea's win against Southampton in the Premier League. Highlights from Chelsea's win against Southampton in the Premier League.

"He had some bad moments in the last year or two years with injury but I think he can reach a fantastic level because he is a fantastic player.

"I remember watching him at Everton. He is still young so I think he is a good player for the future with Chelsea.

3:38 Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri was very happy with the performance of Ross Barkley, but says his side can still improve after their 3-0 away win against Southampton Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri was very happy with the performance of Ross Barkley, but says his side can still improve after their 3-0 away win against Southampton

"If you give Ross the freedom to play and the confidence on the pitch, he can be one of the best in the world in midfield. He is strong, he is powerful, he can dribble, he is clever, he can shoot, he can score and he can make assists.

"If he has players around him to help him to play, he can be one of the best."

England play Croatia in the Nations League on Friday evening, live on Sky Sports.