Chelsea winger Eden Hazard has advised teammate and countryman Kevin De Bruyne to leave on loan in the New Year to ensure he is ready for the World Cup, according to Team Talk. De Bruyne was Belgium's top goalscorer in qualifying for next summer's competition, but has started only four matches for the Blues this season, failing to complete any of them. And now, Hazard, his club and international teammate, has recommended the youngster seek a loan move to boost his playing time ahead of the 2014 tournament in Brazil. De Bruyne, who spent last season on loan at Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen, has previously admitted he would be open to another temporary move from Stamford Bridge, something of which Hazard believes would benefit the 22-year-old.
"For sure, playing at a World Cup without having been in action for a year, I think that's very difficult. "I think for him that leaving and playing, that would be good. "If we want to get the best out of Kevin, I think that it's best if he leaves."
De Bruyne, who plays in attacking midfield or on the wing, joined Chelsea from Genk in January 2012, but was immediately sent back out on loan to the Belgian side before his spell at Bremen that summer. And now, it looks as though another stint away from west London is on the cards having failed to make his mark at the Europa League winners. Another Belgian player failing to leave a lasting impression at Chelsea is goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The 21-year-old, who serves as understudy to Petr Cech, played an integral role in Belgium's World Cup qualifying campaign, and has also starred for Atletico Madrid, where he is currently on loan from the Blues. Spanish champions Barcelona are believed to be monitoring developments as the Catalan club step up their pursuit of a replacement for the outgoing Victor Valdes.