Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye has labelled Hatem Ben Arfa a "genius".

Cabaye likens Ben Arfa to his former Lille teammate Eden Hazard, now of Chelsea.

"He has a big talent but physically and in front of goal he has worked hard," said Cabaye, who will represent France alongside Ben Arfa at Euro 2012.

"He greatly deserved to be called into the French team. His genius reminds me of Eden Hazard's. He is one of a group of rare players who are capable of making a difference with just one gesture."