Joe Cole's role in the rise of Eden Hazard as Lille superstar put on road to Chelsea

Joe Cole is best known for his efforts in a Chelsea shirt, but towards the end of what was an illustrious playing career, the former England international developed into somewhat of a journeyman.

On his travels, he ended up the other side of the channel with Ligue 1 outfit Lille while on loan from Chelsea's Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Having fallen out of the international fold during Fabio Capello's England reign, a 29-year-old Cole made the leap to Lille with a view to reviving what was undeniably a flatlining career.

"I love football, I love watching it, I love talking about it," Cole said upon his move to France. "This is a great experience and a challenge to play for a team who wants to progress. This seems a very positive place."

Coming into a side with few household names across Europe, Cole was sure he would receive the star treatment. Instead he arrived to find a young man playing in his preferred position.

Eden Hazard was only 20 when he shared a dressing room with Cole, yet he was already burdened with greater expectation than his new teammate nine years his senior.

Many may have expected Cole, a man who was once told he could do "anything Lionel Messi can do, if not better" by Steven Gerrard, to turn his nose up at relinquishing free-kick and penalty duties to a 20-year-old.

Yet, from the first time they shared the pitch together there was undeniable chemistry.

Replacing future West Ham and Marseille star Dimitri Payet for his debut, Hazard and Cole both registered goal contributions in a 25 minute period to secure a win over Saint-Etienne.

The very next game saw the pair combine as Cole assisted Hazard for another goal against Bordeaux.

Cole found the back of the net himself two weeks later and went on