A lot of questions were asked about which system Chelsea would adopt under Conte when he was first appointed as manager, speculating which formation the Italian would choose and where he would find room in his side for Hazard.
However, despite a heavily-anticipated change in system, said to resemble that of Italy’s in the Euro championships, there were actually very few changes on that front during Conte’s first two moths in charge.
Hazard has also been deployed in the same role as in previous seasons, starting wide on the left and cutting in, and seldom through the middle as was rumoured at the beginning of the season.
However, after a few less than favourable results in recent weeks, Conte has decided to impose some fresh ideas in terms of system, most notably by placing the Belgian through the middle, just behind Costa, with Willian and Moses on each side of him.
Whilst Hull were not the strongest opposition we have faced recently, Chelsea’s number 10 looked far more influential in a more central position, as he was free to look for space in the final third as well as dropping deep to start attack from midfield.
Often the criticism of Hazard this year has been that he doesn’t make his mark on enough games and sees the game pass him by. However, this may not always be entirely Eden Hazard’s fault, as teams can double up on him and crowd him out of the game relatively easily when he is restricted to the wing.
We also saw last week for Arsenal’s second goal that his defensive frailties can cause issues when he is used on the wing, especially against a very attack-minded full back such as Hector Bellerin.
In that ‘number 10’ or even ‘second striker’ role, he has the freedom of the pitch and can be vastly more creative. Whether it be floating over to the flanks, picking the ball up deep and driving at the defence or intricate link-up play with Costa in around the 18 yard-box, he is far more involved and extremely influential.
Also, he has far less to worry about in terms of tracking. With two centre midfielders behind to screen the defence and close down the ball, plus two wingers with slightly more industry in Willian and Moses, he would really only need to press the ball, with very few defensive responsibilities.
What Chelsea undoubtedly need is Hazard on the ball, and his touches can sometimes be too few and far between when he is selected on the wing. Though today’s game wasn’t vintage Hazard, it was clear for all to see that his impact on the game was far greater. If this is to be the Belgian’s position for the rest of the season, I predict a fair few goals for Hazard, and a lot of sleepless nights for every defender in the league.
