Star wants to play No.10 role
Chelsea star Eden Hazard has revealed his desire to play in the No.10 role for the team, but admits that Antonio Conte won’t change his system for him.
The Belgian is starting to rediscover his best form under the new Italian manager, and on the international stage, after coach Roberto Martinez moved him to a more central role for his country.
Hazard scored in both Belgium games during the international break and he believes he could adapt to the position for Chelsea.
‘I like to play as a No 10,’ Hazard said. ‘I think I have more freedom offensively. For Belgium, we have full backs who run hard and create a lot of space, which is good and I like to play there.’
‘I don’t know if I will play there at Chelsea. You need to ask the manager! I play on the left hand side and I try to do the best I can.’
Hazard was keen for a run in the position under Jose Mourinho before the Portuguese was sacked, but the Special One told him publicly that he did not fit his profile of the ideal playmaker.
Chelsea have already played with Oscar, Willian and Cesc Fabregas in the role this season but manager Antonio Conte is still searching for his best solution.
‘It’s true I like to play as a 10. Sometimes at Chelsea we don’t play with system with a number 10, too. I don’t think Chelsea wants to change just for me (to play) as a 10. I did well in the past as a left winger and for now, I am trying to get back to that best again.’
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
