Eden Hazard has advised his Belgian international team-mate, Kevin De Bruyne, to find a new club if he cannot play regularly at Chelsea.

Whereas Hazard is a Stamford Bridge star, midfielder De Bruyne has struggled to convince Blues boss Jose Mourinho of his value to the Blues’ cause.

The 22-year-old has been linked to a return to Germany, where he spent last season on loan.

He says he is determined to prove his worth in West London, but Hazard says that in a World Cup year, playing first-team football is more important for De Bruyne and Belgium than making a point at Chelsea.

"If he does not play, it is better for him to leave," Hazard said of De Bruyne in Het Nieuwsblad.

"Playing a World Cup after having not played for a year... is very difficult.

"If we want to get the best from Kevin in the future it is better that he leaves. But he's a big boy. He must make his own choices."

Speaking of the World Cup, Belgium’s exciting young team will be one of the outsiders to watch in Brazil next year.

They have a talented squad packed full of game changers, and with a little luck could go far in the competition.

But Hazard has warned against over confidence ahead of what will be a steep learning curve for him and his compatriots.

"The first aim must be to survive the first round because we still do not know the draw but we should not be afraid of anyone because we have a very good team," he said.

"We have no one who has already played in a tournament. The people might expect too much from Belgium."