Hazard believes Chelsea success built on Costa link-up

Eden Hazard thrived at Chelsea this season and the Belgian claims his success came from looking for striker Diego Costa as a first option.

After a dismal 2015-16 campaign that saw him only score his first Premier League goal in late April, Hazard bounced back in style.

He plundered 17 goals in all competitions and helped the Blues to the Premier League title, looking instantly comfortable in new manager Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system.

As the playmaker in the formation, the 26-year-old was responsible for making Chelsea tick and believes that consistently linking up with Costa held the key.

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“I started to play a bit more centrally, like a no.10,” said Hazard of the formation change. “Alonso was close to me so he was able to help when we didn’t have the ball, just like Kante, Matic and Fabregas.

“The new system helped us because we have the players who suit the formation.

“The manager said to me I have to try to find Diego Costa. When I play I always try to pass to him, or look for him to make a run which opens up the space for me to come inside.

“I always try to be close to him because I know it makes it difficult for defenders when there is two of you, or even three when Pedro or Willian are there as well.

“When we remain static it makes it easier for them to mark us, so I tried to stay close to him and play one-touch football, which worked well.”