Antonio Conte has insisted Eden Hazard must work off the ball like his Chelsea teammates, after his fine form has led to suggestions he is given a free role in the new system.
Hazard has netted seven goals and made an assist across the Blues’ 11 games this season following his poor form during 2015/16, where he was yet to net a goal until April under Guus Hiddink after Jose Mourinho’s departure.
Denying Hazard is doing less defensively, Conte says his three-man defense system can help the exploit the Belgium international’s characteristics in the best way, also admitting it’s important his form continues for both himself and the club.
“It’s not true. Without the ball, it is important for Eden to help the team and win it quickly, and he is helping the team a lot. He is improving a lot for me without the ball. I am very pleased for this,” Conte told Sky Sports.
Conte believes the new system is tailor-made for his Belgian star.
He added: “Eden, you can see, is playing fantastic football. I think in this formation we can exploit his characteristics in the best way.
“But now, he must continue in this way, it is important for him and for Chelsea.”
This season, Hazard has won 57% of his tackles and made eight defensive actions for Chelsea, who are currently second in the table, one point behind Liverpool.
Chelsea, who have won their last five consecutive games with clean sheets, face Middlesbrough away on Sunday.
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