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Why Eden Hazard Is the Biggest Winner in Antonio Conte’s New-Look Chelsea
- Updated: October 25, 2016
STAMFORD BRIDGE, LONDON — Let’s not get carried away just yet, but Eden Hazard’s looking rather good for Chelsea right now, isn’t he?
The Belgian’s recent form has had shades of 2014/15 about it and we all know how that ended—for him and the Blues. Short of predicting Hazard is going to win Chelsea the title under Antonio Conte’s new regime, his performances of late are breeding the thing that has been absent for too long: confidence.
We’re seeing a more self-assured Hazard, and it’s helping his teammates rediscover something resembling their best. The trust is beginning to build in this Chelsea side and we can expect them to challenge at the right end of the table once again.
A great win, but a long way to go! Well done my friends @nglkante @garyjcahill @_pedro17_ #cfc #chelseafc #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/6uWR7adTtf
— Eden hazard (@hazardeden10) October 24, 2016
That has disappeared in the past year or so. The Blues were that disappointing and inconsistent; we’ve seen too many false dawns. Victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last season hinted at Chelsea turning a corner under Guus Hiddink, only for disappointment to follow with a lack of edge and desire as the season dragged on.
The hangover seems to have passed now. Conte has revitalised the team, with Hazard being at the heart of what they are achieving creatively.
Indeed, we can use the No. 10 as a barometer for Chelsea as a club. When he has the sort of spring in his step that we saw in the 4-0 demolition of Manchester United on Sunday, it’s replicated throughout the team. For those times when he’s seemingly disinterested, it can spread like a virus. Hazard dictates the energy and flow at Stamford Bridge.
The good news from a Chelsea perspective is that we’re seeing much more of the former this term, and it’s no coincidence it has all come about since Conte switched the way he has his team playing.
Gone are Hazard’s defensive responsibilities in Chelsea’s new 3-4-3; the manager has instead unleashed his inner child and told the Belgian to get back to playing his football …
