Gianfranco Zola is expecting an Eden Hazard-inspired Chelsea to be the team to beat next season once again in the Premier League.

The Blues stormed to the league title this campaign by losing just three games, with Belgian playmaker Hazard playing a key role throughout.

A total of 14 goals and eight assists in 37 games was enough to land the former Lille midfielder the PFA Player of the Year award for 2014-15, and Zola believes that there is still plenty more to come.

"There is no doubt that Hazard is an exceptional player and he is one of those players who has got huge potential. In Italy we would say he is one of the players who you say is worth the price of the ticket," he is quoted as saying by ESPN.

"Everyone knows Hazard can do exceptional things going forward, but his work rate defensively this season has been unbelievable. If you see a star player working so hard it is a massive incentive for everyone.

"Jose has played a major part on teaching him to be effective when the team has not got the ball. Having a player like Hazard means Chelsea will be the team to beat next year. He is a player and they are a team that deserve all the credit they are getting this season."

Zola played more than 200 matches for Chelsea, as well being crowned the club's greatest ever player back in 2003.