Rio Ferdinand has named Eden Hazard as the Premier League star he hated to play against and who still gives him nightmares.

The Chelsea forward has been a stand-out player in the English top flight for the past few seasons, attracting serious attention from Real Madrid in the summer.

He came up against Ferdinand in the latter part of the Red Devils legend's career - when his legs weren't quite what they once were.

And by all accounts terrorised him with his pace and footwork.

Rio Ferdinand hated to play against Eden Hazard in the Premier League (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

"I didn't, I still remember and I still get nightmares," said Ferdinand on BT Sport.

"I used to just be happy he was staying wide at that point… under [Jose] Mourinho he stayed very much on the left-hand side so didn't really come into my area which was a blessing.

Ferdinand believes the Belgian international makes Chelsea tick (
Image:
AFP)

"But now we're seeing him all over the frontline – he's fantastic to watch and he's the man that really makes this Chelsea team tick."

Hazard was in action for the Blues in their 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night as they secured qualification to the Champions League knock-out stages.

poll loading

Will Eden Hazard leave Chelsea for Real Madrid before 2020?

8000+ VOTES SO FAR