Eden Hazard’s new role in Chelsea’s 3-4-3 system is making it easier for him to show his talent and shine in the “supersonic” intensity of Premier League football, according to head coach Antonio Conte.
Chelsea lie fourth in the Premier League and have won each of their past four matches since Conte made the decision to switch to the new formation, in which Hazard has fewer defensive responsibilities, greater freedom to drift away from the left flank and more opportunity to link up with Diego Costa.
The Belgian has responded by scoring five goals — more than his total for Chelsea in the entirety of last season — as well as returning to the kind of form that resulted in him sweeping the PFA and FWA’s individual awards as the Blues surged to the Premier League title in the 2014-15 campaign.
“Eden is playing now more close to the goal,” Conte explained. “He’s participating more in offensive situations. I think it’s better for him, this type of situation, which sees him staying in a position where he can finish easier compared to in the past. For this reason, I think and I want him to continue in this way.
“We know his talent. He’s a fantastic player. Also, I found a player who is working very well without the ball, working very well with the team. This is very appreciated by his teammates.
“It’s important in this type of football, this modern football, you must have talent and technique, but also run with intensity. You must have the strength to cope with contact. Modern football is this. You must have the talent, but support it with strength, speed and technique.
Jose Mourinho hailed Hazard as “the best young player in the world” early in his second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, but the Belgian has been omitted from the shortlists for both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Men’s Player awards for 2016 after a torrid season at club level.
Asked if Hazard is capable of reaching the level of superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Conte replied: “Who knows? We all know the great talent of Eden. I think he must continue to work and to improve his talent, but in this moment he’s putting his talent, putting himself, in the team. That is fantastic.
“It’s the right way to become one of the best in the world. Now, if you ask me the difference between [him and] Messi and Ronaldo, I don’t want to reply to this. The only thing I want is to work with my players and try and improve them, to support them in every moment.”
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