Hazard enjoying new-found freedom at Chelsea

Eden Hazard admits the added freedom of Chelsea’s new formation under Antonio Conte has been key to his revival in form.

The Belgian forward already has seven goals this term after the Italian manager introduced a 3-4-3 system that gives him less defensive responsibility.

The Blues’ fine recent form has catapulted them up the table to where they currently sit in second and a reinvigorated Hazard has been a key catalyst.

“I just have a little bit more freedom with and without the ball,” he said.

“I don’t have to defend on the right-back because Alonso is there, I just have to stay in my position. When I get the ball I have more freedom and I can go where I want to go.

“People tell me I don’t shoot enough so now I try to do it more because if you don’t shoot you don’t score. I don’t know if the ball will go in but I have more chance if I shoot.”

(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Currently the top five in the league table are only separated by five points and with an international break coming up, Hazard knows how important it is for the Blues to not miss a step.

“We are in good form and we want to stay like this,” he added. “We are near the top of the league, a good place, where Chelsea has to be.

“We are enjoying our football and playing very well. We are creating a lot of chances and we haven’t conceded any goals for a few games now.”