Former Belgium captain Eric Gerets has told Reuters that Eden Hazard has the talent to overcome his international goal drought, and has backed the winger to lead the Red Devils to glory at Euro 2016.
Hazard, 23, has failed to score in his last nine international games, drawing a blank in Belgium's frustrating 0-0 Euro 2016 qualifying draw at home to Wales on Sunday.
Despite a lack of goals from Hazard -- who scored 14 times in the Premier League for Chelsea last season -- Al Jazira FC coach Gerets believes the player must be shown patience as he seeks to rediscover he scoring touch.
"Disappointment is too strong," Gerets said in Abu Dhabi. "Even [Lionel] Messi needed a lot of time before he was the saviour of the national team. It didn't happen for several years. You have to give Hazard more time. It will come. He has too much talent."
The forward has scored just six goals for Belgium in 54 appearances, and while Jose Mourinho has tipped Hazard to reach the same heights as Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, Gerets says there is no shame in coming up short to the Ballon d'Or winners.
"The future will show if he's able to get on the same level as they are," he continued. "Even if he never makes it to the same level, just below them is still a world [class] player."
Despite a strong 2014 World Cup showing, Belgium currently sit fourth in their Euro 2016 qualifying group having collected five points from three matches -- but Gerets has no worries over the national side.
"With the talent Belgium has at the moment it would be a disappointment if by the next European Championship or World Cup they don't get to the semifinals," he sad. "This is the best squad Belgium ever had."
Gerets captained Belgium at the 1982 and 1990 World Cups and was part of the 1986 squad which finished fourth, and he has not ruled out coaching the Red Devils should Marc Wilmots step down.
"It was two times an issue, but for personal reasons I couldn't accept, otherwise I would be coach of Belgium at this moment," he added.
"But then there are rumours Marc will not finish his contract. You never know what happens in football. I'm satisfied with my life in Abu Dhabi, but in football things change so quickly so you can never say what will happen next week."